Radio frequency (RF) is a rate of electrical oscillation in the range of 300 KHz to 300 GHz. WLAN uses the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band radio frequencies as the transmission media. The 2.4 GHz band includes radio frequencies from 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. The 5 GHz band includes radio frequencies from 5.150 GHz to 5.350 GHz and from 5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz.

The term "radio frequency" or its abbreviation RF is also used as a synonym for "radio" in wireless communication.

Radio mode

IEEE defines the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax radio modes. H3C defines an 802.11gax radio mode that enable 802.11ax radios to use the 2.4 GHz band.

NOTE:

In this document, the term "802.11ax" refers to both 802.11ax and 802.11gax, unless otherwise specified.

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Table 1 provides a comparison of these radio modes.

Table 1 Comparison of 802.11 standards

IEEE standard	Frequency band	Maximum rate
802.11a	5 GHz	54 Mbps
802.11b	2.4 GHz	11 Mbps
802.11g	2.4 GHz	54 Mbps
802.11n	2.4 GHz or 5 GHz	600 Mbps
802.11ac	5 GHz	6900 Mbps
802.11ax	5 GHz	9600 Mbps
802.11gax	2.4 GHz	6900 Mbps

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Channel

A channel is a range of frequencies with a specific bandwidth.

The 2.4 GHz band has 14 channels. The bandwidth for each channel is 20 MHz and each two channels are spaced 5 MHz apart. Among the 14 channels, four groups of non-overlapping channels exist and the most commonly used one contains channels 1, 6, and 11.

The 5 GHz band can provide higher rates and is more immune to interference. There are 24 non-overlapping channels designated to the 5 GHz band. The channels are spaced 20 MHz apart with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. The available channels vary by country.

Transmit power

Transmit power reflects the signal strength of a wireless device. A higher transmit power enables a radio to cover a larger area but it brings more interference to adjacent devices. The signal strength decreases as the transmission distance increases.

Transmission rate

Transmission rate refers to the speed at which wireless devices transmit traffic. It varies by radio mode and spreading, coding, and modulation schemes. The following are rates supported by different types of radios:

· 802.11a—6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, and 54 Mbps.

· 802.11b—1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, and 11 Mbps.

· 802.11g—1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, and 54 Mbps.

· 802.11n—Rates for 802.11n radios vary by channel bandwidth. For more information, see "MCS."

· 802.11ac—Rates for 802.11ac radios vary by channel bandwidth and number of spatial streams (NSS). For more information, see "VHT-MCS."

· 802.11ax—Rates for 802.11ax radios vary by channel bandwidth and number of spatial streams (NSS). For more information, see "HE-MCS."

MCS

Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) defined in IEEE 802.11n-2009 determines the modulation, coding, and number of spatial streams.

MCS types

802.11n MCSs are classified into the following types:

· Mandatory MCSs—Mandatory MCSs for an AP. To associate with an 802.11n AP, a client must support the mandatory MCSs for the AP.

· Supported MCSs—MCSs supported by an AP besides the mandatory MCSs. If a client supports both mandatory and supported MCSs, the client can use a supported rate to communicate with the AP.

· Multicast MCS—MCS for the rate at which an AP transmits multicast frames.

MCS parameters

An MCS is identified by an MCS index, which is represented by an integer in the range of 0 to 76. An MCS index is the mapping from MCS to a data rate.

Table 2 through Table 9 show sample MCS parameters for 20 MHz and 40 MHz.

When the bandwidth mode is 20 MHz, MCS indexes 0 through 15 are mandatory for APs, and MCS indexes 0 through 7 are mandatory for clients.

Table 2 MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=1)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	1	BPSK	6.5	7.2
1	1	QPSK	13.0	14.4
2	1	QPSK	19.5	21.7
3	1	16-QAM	26.0	28.9
4	1	16-QAM	39.0	43.3
5	1	64-QAM	52.0	57.8
6	1	64-QAM	58.5	65.0
7	1	64-QAM	65.0	72.2

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Table 3 MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=2)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
8	2	BPSK	13.0	14.4
9	2	QPSK	26.0	28.9
10	2	QPSK	39.0	43.3
11	2	16-QAM	52.0	57.8
12	2	16-QAM	78.0	86.7
13	2	64-QAM	104.0	115.6
14	2	64-QAM	117.0	130.0
15	2	64-QAM	130.0	144.4

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Table 4 MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=3)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
16	3	BPSK	19.5	21.7
17	3	QPSK	39.0	43.3
18	3	QPSK	58.5	65.0
19	3	16-QAM	78.0	86.7
20	3	16-QAM	117.0	130.0
21	3	64-QAM	156.0	173.3
22	3	64-QAM	175.5	195.0
23	3	64-QAM	195.0	216.7

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Table 5 MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=4)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
24	4	BPSK	26.0	28.9
25	4	QPSK	52.0	57.8
26	4	QPSK	78.0	86.7
27	4	16-QAM	104.0	115.6
28	4	16-QAM	156.0	173.3
29	4	64-QAM	208.0	231.1
30	4	64-QAM	234.0	260.0
31	4	64-QAM	260.0	288.9

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Table 6 MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=1)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	1	BPSK	13.5	15.0
1	1	QPSK	27.0	30.0
2	1	QPSK	40.5	45.0
3	1	16-QAM	54.0	60.0
4	1	16-QAM	81.0	90.0
5	1	64-QAM	108.0	120.0
6	1	64-QAM	121.5	135.0
7	1	64-QAM	135.0	150.0

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Table 7 MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=2)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
8	2	BPSK	27.0	30.0
9	2	QPSK	54.0	60.0
10	2	QPSK	81.0	90.0
11	2	16-QAM	108.0	120.0
12	2	16-QAM	162.0	180.0
13	2	64-QAM	216.0	240.0
14	2	64-QAM	243.0	270.0
15	2	64-QAM	270.0	300.0

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Table 8 MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=3)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
16	3	BPSK	40.5	45.0
17	3	QPSK	81.0	90.0
18	3	QPSK	121.5	135.0
19	3	16-QAM	162.0	180.0
20	3	16-QAM	243.0	270.0
21	3	64-QAM	324.0	360.0
22	3	64-QAM	364.5	405.0
23	3	64-QAM	405.0	450.0

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Table 9 MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=4)

MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
MCS index	Number of spatial streams	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
24	4	BPSK	54.0	60.0
25	4	QPSK	108.0	120.0
26	4	QPSK	162.0	180.0
27	4	16-QAM	216.0	240.0
28	4	16-QAM	324.0	360.0
29	4	64-QAM	432.0	480.0
30	4	64-QAM	486.0	540.0
31	4	64-QAM	540.0	600.0

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NOTE:

· For all the MCS data rate tables, see IEEE 802.11n-2009.

· Support for MCS indexes depends on the device model.

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VHT-MCS

Very High Throughput Modulation and Coding Scheme (VHT-MCS) defined in IEEE 802.11ac determines the wireless data rates.

VHT-MCS types

802.11ac VHT-MCSs are classified into the following types:

· Mandatory VHT-MCSs—Mandatory VHT-MCSs for an AP. To associate with an 802.11ac AP, a client must support the mandatory VHT-MCSs for the AP.

· Supported VHT-MCSs—VHT-MCSs supported by an AP besides the mandatory VHT-MCSs. If a client supports both mandatory and supported VHT-MCSs, the client can use a supported rate to communicate with the AP.

· Multicast VHT-MCS—VHT-MCS for the rate at which an AP transmits multicast frames.

VHT-MCS parameters

A VHT-MCS is identified by a VHT-MCS index, which is represented by an integer in the range of 0 to 9. A VHT-MCS index is the mapping from VHT-MCS to a data rate.

802.11ac supports the 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz bandwidth modes, and supports a maximum of eight spatial streams.

Table 10 through Table 21 show VHT-MCS parameters that are supported by an AP.

Table 10 VHT-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=1)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	6.5	7.2
1	QPSK	13.0	14.4
2	QPSK	19.5	21.7
3	16-QAM	26.0	28.9
4	16-QAM	39.0	43.3
5	64-QAM	52.0	57.8
6	64-QAM	58.5	65.0
7	64-QAM	65.0	72.2
8	256-QAM	78.0	86.7
9	Not valid

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Table 11 VHT-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=2)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	13.0	14.4
1	QPSK	26.0	28.9
2	QPSK	39.0	43.3
3	16-QAM	52.0	57.8
4	16-QAM	78.0	86.7
5	64-QAM	104.0	115.6
6	64-QAM	117.0	130.0
7	64-QAM	130.0	144.4
8	256-QAM	156.0	173.3
9	Not valid

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Table 12 VHT-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=3)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	19.5	21.7
1	QPSK	39.0	43.3
2	QPSK	58.5	65.0
3	16-QAM	78.0	86.7
4	16-QAM	117.0	130.0
5	64-QAM	156.0	173.3
6	64-QAM	175.5	195.0
7	64-QAM	195.0	216.7
8	256-QAM	234.0	260.0
9	256-QAM	260.0	288.9

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Table 13 VHT-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=4)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	26.0	28.9
1	QPSK	52.0	57.8
2	QPSK	78.0	86.7
3	16-QAM	104.0	115.6
4	16-QAM	156.0	173.3
5	64-QAM	208.0	231.1
6	64-QAM	234.0	260.0
7	64-QAM	260.0	288.9
8	256-QAM	312.0	346.7
9	Not valid

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Table 14 VHT-MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=1)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	13.5	15.0
1	QPSK	27.0	30.0
2	QPSK	40.5	45.0
3	16-QAM	54.0	60.0
4	16-QAM	81.0	90.0
5	64-QAM	108.0	120.0
6	64-QAM	121.5	135.0
7	64-QAM	135.0	150.0
8	256-QAM	162.0	180.0
9	256-QAM	180.0	200.0

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Table 15 VHT-MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=2)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	27.0	30.0
1	QPSK	54.0	60.0
2	QPSK	81.0	90.0
3	16-QAM	108.0	120.0
4	16-QAM	162.0	180.0
5	64-QAM	216.0	240.0
6	64-QAM	243.0	270.0
7	64-QAM	270.0	300.0
8	256-QAM	324.0	360.0
9	256-QAM	360.0	400.0

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Table 16 VHT-MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=3)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	40.5	45.0
1	QPSK	81.0	90.0
2	QPSK	121.5	135.0
3	16-QAM	162.0	180.0
4	16-QAM	243.0	270.0
5	64-QAM	324.0	360.0
6	64-QAM	364.5	405.0
7	64-QAM	405.0	450.0
8	256-QAM	486.0	540.0
9	256-QAM	540.0	600.0

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Table 17 VHT-MCS parameters(40 MHz, NSS=4)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	54.0	60.0
1	QPSK	108.0	120.0
2	QPSK	162.0	180.0
3	16-QAM	216.0	240.0
4	16-QAM	324.0	360.0
5	64-QAM	432.0	480.0
6	64-QAM	486.0	540.0
7	64-QAM	540.0	600.0
8	256-QAM	648.0	720.0
9	256-QAM	720.0	800.0

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Table 18 VHT-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=1)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	29.3	32.5
1	QPSK	58.5	65.0
2	QPSK	87.8	97.5
3	16-QAM	117.0	130.0
4	16-QAM	175.5	195.0
5	64-QAM	234.0	260.0
6	64-QAM	263.0	292.5
7	64-QAM	292.5	325.0
8	256-QAM	351.0	390.0
9	256-QAM	390.0	433.3

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Table 19 VHT-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=2)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	58.5	65.0
1	QPSK	117.0	130.0
2	QPSK	175.5	195.0
3	16-QAM	234.0	260.0
4	16-QAM	351.0	390.0
5	64-QAM	468.0	520.0
6	64-QAM	526.5	585.0
7	64-QAM	585.0	650.0
8	256-QAM	702.0	780.0
9	256-QAM	780.0	866.7

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Table 20 VHT-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=3)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	87.8	97.5
1	QPSK	175.5	195.0
2	QPSK	263.3	292.5
3	16-QAM	351.0	390.0
4	16-QAM	526.5	585.0
5	64-QAM	702.0	780.0
6	Not valid
7	64-QAM	877.5	975.0
8	256-QAM	1053.0	1170.0
9	256-QAM	1170.0	1300.0

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Table 21 VHT-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=4)

VHT-MCS index	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
VHT-MCS index	Modulation	800ns GI	400ns GI
0	BPSK	117.0	130.0
1	QPSK	234.0	260.0
2	QPSK	351.0	390.0
3	16-QAM	468.0	520.0
4	16-QAM	702.0	780.0
5	64-QAM	936.0	1040.0
6	64-QAM	1053.0	1170.0
7	64-QAM	1170.0	1300.0
8	256-QAM	1404.0	1560.0
9	256-QAM	1560.0	1733.3

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NOTE:

· For all the VHT-MCS data rate tables, see IEEE 802.11ac-2013.

· Support for VHT-MCS indexes depends on the AP model.

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HE-MCS

High Efficiency Modulation and Coding Scheme (HE-MCS) defined in IEEE 802.11ax determines the wireless data rates.

HE-MCS types

802.11ax HE-MCSs are classified into the following types:

· Mandatory HE-MCSs—Mandatory HE-MCSs for an AP. To associate with an 802.11ax AP, a client must support the mandatory HE-MCSs for the AP.

· Supported HE-MCSs—HE-MCSs supported by an AP besides the mandatory HE-MCSs. If a client supports both mandatory and supported HE-MCSs, the client can use a supported rate to communicate with the AP.

· Multicast HE-MCS—HE-MCS for the rate at which an AP transmits multicast frames.

HE-MCS parameters

An HE-MCS is identified by an HE-MCS index, which is represented by an integer in the range of 0 to 11. An HE-MCS index is the mapping from HE-MCS to a data rate.

802.11ax supports the 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz (80+80 MHz) bandwidth modes, and supports a maximum of eight spatial streams. 802.11gax supports the 20 MHz and 40 MHz bandwidth modes.

Table 22 through Table 33 show HE-MCS parameters that are supported by an AP.

Table 22 HE-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=1)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	1	BPSK	8	8.6
1	1	QPSK	16	17.2
2	1	QPSK	24	25.8
3	1	16-QAM	33	34.4
4	1	16-QAM	49	51.6
5	1	64-QAM	65	68.8
6	1	64-QAM	73	77.4
7	1	64-QAM	81	86
8	1	256-QAM	98	103.2
9	1	256-QAM	108	114.7
10	1	1024-QAM	122	129
11	1	1024-QAM	135	143.4

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Table 23 HE-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=2)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	2	BPSK	16	17.2
1	2	QPSK	32	34.4
2	2	QPSK	48	51.6
3	2	16-QAM	66	68.8
4	2	16-QAM	98	103.2
5	2	64-QAM	130	137.6
6	2	64-QAM	146	154.8
7	2	64-QAM	162	172
8	2	256-QAM	196	206.4
9	2	256-QAM	216	229.4
10	2	1024-QAM	244	258
11	2	1024-QAM	270	286.8

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Table 24 HE-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=3)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	3	BPSK	24	25.8
1	3	QPSK	48	51.6
2	3	QPSK	72	77.4
3	3	16-QAM	99	103.2
4	3	16-QAM	147	154.8
5	3	64-QAM	195	206.4
6	3	64-QAM	219	232.2
7	3	64-QAM	243	258
8	3	256-QAM	294	309.6
9	3	256-QAM	324	344.1
10	3	1024-QAM	366	387
11	3	1024-QAM	405	430.2

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Table 25 HE-MCS parameters (20 MHz, NSS=4)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	4	BPSK	32	34.4
1	4	QPSK	64	68.8
2	4	QPSK	96	103.2
3	4	16-QAM	132	137.6
4	4	16-QAM	196	206.4
5	4	64-QAM	260	275.2
6	4	64-QAM	292	309.6
7	4	64-QAM	324	344
8	4	256-QAM	392	412.8
9	4	256-QAM	432	458.8
10	4	1024-QAM	488	516
11	4	1024-QAM	540	573.6

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Table 26 HE-MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=1)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	1	BPSK	16	17.2
1	1	QPSK	33	34.4
2	1	QPSK	49	51.6
3	1	16-QAM	65	68.8
4	1	16-QAM	98	103.2
5	1	64-QAM	130	137.6
6	1	64-QAM	146	154.9
7	1	64-QAM	163	172.1
8	1	256-QAM	195	206.5
9	1	256-QAM	217	229.4
10	1	1024-QAM	244	258.1
11	1	1024-QAM	271	286.8

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Table 27 HE-MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=2)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	2	BPSK	32	34.4
1	2	QPSK	66	68.8
2	2	QPSK	98	103.2
3	2	16-QAM	130	137.6
4	2	16-QAM	196	206.4
5	2	64-QAM	260	275.2
6	2	64-QAM	292	309.8
7	2	64-QAM	326	344.2
8	2	256-QAM	390	413
9	2	256-QAM	434	458.8
10	2	1024-QAM	488	516.2
11	2	1024-QAM	542	573.6

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Table 28 HE-MCS parameters (40 MHz, NSS=3)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	3	BPSK	48	51.6
1	3	QPSK	99	103.2
2	3	QPSK	147	154.8
3	3	16-QAM	195	206.4
4	3	16-QAM	294	309.6
5	3	64-QAM	390	412.8
6	3	64-QAM	438	464.7
7	3	64-QAM	489	516.3
8	3	256-QAM	585	619.5
9	3	256-QAM	651	688.2
10	3	1024-QAM	732	774.3
11	3	1024-QAM	813	860.4

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Table 29 HE-MCS parameters(40 MHz, NSS=4)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	4	BPSK	64	68.8
1	4	QPSK	132	137.6
2	4	QPSK	196	206.4
3	4	16-QAM	260	275.2
4	4	16-QAM	392	412.8
5	4	64-QAM	520	550.4
6	4	64-QAM	584	619.6
7	4	64-QAM	652	688.4
8	4	256-QAM	780	826
9	4	256-QAM	868	917.6
10	4	1024-QAM	976	1032.4
11	4	1024-QAM	1084	1147.2

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Table 30 HE-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=1)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	1	BPSK	34	36
1	1	QPSK	68	72.1
2	1	QPSK	102	108.1
3	1	16-QAM	136	144.1
4	1	16-QAM	204	216.2
5	1	64-QAM	272	288.2
6	1	64-QAM	306	324.4
7	1	64-QAM	340	360.3
8	1	256-QAM	408	432.4
9	1	256-QAM	453	480.4
10	1	1024-QAM	510	540.4
11	1	1024-QAM	567	600.5

‌

Table 31 HE-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=2)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mb/s)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	2	BPSK	68	72
1	2	QPSK	136	144.2
2	2	QPSK	204	216.2
3	2	16-QAM	272	288.2
4	2	16-QAM	408	432.4
5	2	64-QAM	544	576.4
6	2	64-QAM	612	648.8
7	2	64-QAM	680	720.6
8	2	256-QAM	816	864.8
9	4	256-QAM	906	960.8
10	4	1024-QAM	1020	1080.8
11	4	1024-QAM	1134	1201

‌

Table 32 HE-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=3)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	3	BPSK	102	108
1	3	QPSK	204	216.3
2	3	QPSK	306	324.3
3	3	16-QAM	408	432.3
4	3	16-QAM	612	648.6
5	3	64-QAM	816	864.6
6	3	64-QAM	918	973.2
7	3	64-QAM	1020	1080.9
8	3	256-QAM	1224	1297.2
9	4	256-QAM	1359	1441.2
10	4	1024-QAM	1530	1621.2
11	4	1024-QAM	1701	1801.5

‌

Table 33 HE-MCS parameters (80 MHz, NSS=4)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	4	BPSK	136	144
1	4	QPSK	272	288.4
2	4	QPSK	408	432.4
3	4	16-QAM	544	576.4
4	4	16-QAM	816	864.8
5	4	64-QAM	1088	1152.8
6	4	64-QAM	1224	1297.6
7	4	64-QAM	1360	1441.2
8	4	256-QAM	1632	1729.6
9	4	256-QAM	1812	1921.6
10	4	1024-QAM	2040	2161.6
11	4	1024-QAM	2268	2402

‌

Table 34 HE-MCS parameters (160 MHz/80 MHz+80 MHz, NSS=1)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	1	BPSK	68	72.1
1	1	QPSK	136	144.1
2	1	QPSK	204	216.2
3	1	16-QAM	272	288.2
4	1	16-QAM	408	432.4
5	1	64-QAM	544	576.5
6	1	64-QAM	612	648.5
7	1	64-QAM	681	720.6
8	1	256-QAM	817	864.7
9	1	256-QAM	907	960.7
10	1	1024-QAM	1021	1080.9
11	1	1024-QAM	1134	1201

‌

Table 35 HE-MCS parameters (160 MHz/80 MHz+80 MHz, NSS=2)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	2	BPSK	136	144.1
1	2	QPSK	272	288.2
2	2	QPSK	408	432.4
3	2	16-QAM	544	576.5
4	2	16-QAM	817	864.7
5	2	64-QAM	1089	1152.9
6	2	64-QAM	1225	1297.1
7	2	64-QAM	1361	1441.2
8	2	256-QAM	1633	1729.4
9	4	256-QAM	1815	1921.5
10	4	1024-QAM	2042	2161.8
11	4	1024-QAM	2269	2401.9

‌

Table 36 HE-MCS parameters (160 MHz/80 MHz+80 MHz, NSS=3)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	3	BPSK	204	216.2
1	3	QPSK	408	432.4
2	3	QPSK	613	648.5
3	3	16-QAM	817	864.7
4	3	16-QAM	1225	1297.1
5	3	64-QAM	1633	1729.4
6	3	64-QAM	1838	1945.6
7	3	64-QAM	2042	2161.8
8	3	256-QAM	2450	2594.1
9	4	256-QAM	2722	2882.4
10	4	1024-QAM	3062	3242.6
11	4	1024-QAM	3403	3602.9

‌

Table 37 HE-MCS parameters (160 MHz/80 MHz+80 MHz, NSS=4)

HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	Data rate (Mbps)
HE-MCS index	Spatial streams	Modulation	1600ns GI	800ns GI
0	4	BPSK	272	288.2
1	4	QPSK	544	576.5
2	4	QPSK	817	864.7
3	4	16-QAM	1089	1152.9
4	4	16-QAM	1633	1729.4
5	4	64-QAM	2178	2305.9
6	4	64-QAM	2450	2594.1
7	4	64-QAM	2722	2882.4
8	4	256-QAM	3267	3458.8
9	4	256-QAM	3630	3843.1
10	4	1024-QAM	4083	4323.5
11	4	1024-QAM	4537	4803.9

‌

NOTE:

· For all the HE-MCS data rate tables, see IEEE 802.11ax.

· Support for HE-MCS indexes depends on the AP model.

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Restrictions and guidelines: Radio management configuration

You can configure radios by using the following methods:

· Configure radios one by one in radio view.

· Assign APs to an AP group and configure the radios of the AP group in an AP group's radio view.

· Configure all radios in global configuration view.

For a radio, the settings made in these views for the same parameter take effect in descending order of radio view, an AP group's radio view, and global configuration view.

In a large-sized network, configure AP groups instead of any single AP as a best practice.

Radio management tasks at a glance

To configure radio management, perform the following tasks:

· Enabling or disabling a radio interface

· Enabling a radio to disable wireless services as scheduled

· Specifying a radio mode

· Configuring basic radio functions

· (Optional.) Configuring 802.11n functions

· (Optional.) Configuring 802.11ac functions

· (Optional.) Configuring 802.11ax functions

· (Optional.) Configuring error packet ratio optimization and retransmission ratio optimization

· (Optional.) Setting the radio channel usage threshold

· (Optional.) Disabling radar avoidance

Enabling or disabling a radio interface

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Enable or disable the radio interface.

¡ Enable the radio interface:
undo shutdown

¡ Disable the radio interface:
shutdown

By default, a radio interface is enabled.

Enabling a radio to disable wireless services as scheduled

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter AP view.

wlan ap ap-name

3. Enter radio view.

radio radio-id

4. Enable the radio to disable wireless services as scheduled.

radio scheduled-shutdown time-range range-name

By default, this feature is not configured.

Specifying a radio mode

About this task

Available radio functions vary by radio mode:

· For 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g radios, you can configure basic radio functions.

· For 802.11an and 802.11gn radios, you can configure basic radio functions and 802.11n functions.

· For 802.11ax and 802.11gax radios, you can configure basic radio functions, 802.11n functions, 802.11ac functions, and 802.11ax functions.

Restrictions and guidelines

Support for channels and transmit powers depends on the radio mode. When you change the mode of a radio, the system automatically adjusts the channel and power parameters for the radio.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Specify a radio mode.

type { dot11a | dot11ac | dot11an | dot11ax | dot11b | dot11g | dot11gax | dot11gn }

For more information about the default setting for this command, see the command reference.

Configuring basic radio functions

Specifying a working channel

About this task

Perform this task to reduce interference from both wireless and non-wireless devices. You can manually specify a channel or configure the system to automatically select a channel for a radio.

When radar signals are detected on the working channel of a radio, one of the following events occurs:

· If the channel is automatically assigned, the radio changes its channel.

· If the channel is manually specified, the radio changes its channel, and switches back to the specified channel after 30 minutes and then starts the quiet timer. If no radar signals are detected within the quiet time, the radio starts to use the channel. If radar signals are detected within the quiet time, the radio changes it channel again.

Restrictions and guidelines

If you manually specify a channel in the range of 36 to 64, whether the 5.1 GHz band can be used outdoors depends on the device region.

· For outdoor devices that use the 5150 to 5250 Hz band:

¡ China—Not supported.

¡ EU—Not supported.

¡ US—Supported if the maximum effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) at any elevation angle above 30 degrees does not exceed 125mW and you are to deploy 1000 or fewer devices at a time. To install over 1000 devices at one deployment, contact Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and reduce the total transmit power.

¡ Canada—Not supported.

· For outdoor devices that use the 5250 to 5350 Hz band:

¡ China—Not supported.

¡ EU—Not supported.

¡ US—Supported if Depth First Search (DFS) is used.

¡ Canada—Supported if Depth First Search (DFS) is used.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Specify a working channel.

channel { channel-number | auto }

By default, the AP automatically selects a working channel for a radio interface.

Setting the antenna type

About this task

You can use this command to specify an H3C antenna or a third-party antenna for an AP:

· When you specify an H3C antenna for an AP, make sure the antenna type setting is consistent with the type of the antenna used on the AP.

· When you specify a third-party antenna for an AP, make sure the antenna gain setting is consistent with the gain of the antenna used on the AP.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the antenna type.

antenna type { antenna-type | custom gain custom-gain }

By default, the antenna type is internal.

Setting the maximum transmit power

Restrictions and guidelines

The transmit power range supported by a radio varies by region code, channel, AP model, radio mode, antenna type, and bandwidth mode. If you change these attributes for a radio after you set the maximum transmit power, the configured maximum transmit power might be out of the supported transmit power range. If this happens, the system automatically adjusts the maximum transmit power to a valid value.

If you enable power lock, the locked power becomes the maximum transmit power. For more information about power lock, see "Configuring power lock."

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the maximum transmit power.

max-power radio-power

By default, a radio interface uses the supported maximum transmit power.

Configuring power lock

About this task

If you enable power lock, the current power is locked and becomes the maximum transmit power. The locked power still takes effect after the AC restarts.

If you enable power lock, the current power is locked and becomes the maximum transmit power. The locked power still takes effect after the AP restarts.

If a radio enabled with power lock switches to a new channel that provides lower power than the locked power, the maximum power supported by the new channel takes effect.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure power lock.

power-lock { disable | enable }

By default, power lock is disabled.

Setting transmission rates

About this task

Transmission rates are classified into the following types:

· Prohibited rates—Rates that cannot be used by an AP.

· Mandatory rates—Rates that the clients must support to associate with an AP.

· Supported rates—Rates that an AP supports. After a client associates with an AP, the client can select a higher rate from the supported rates to communicate with the AP. The AP automatically decreases or increases the transmission rate as interference signals, retransmission packets, or dropped packets increase or decrease.

· Multicast rate—Rate at which an AP transmits multicasts and broadcasts. The multicast rate must be selected from the mandatory rates.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the transmission rates for the radio.

rate { multicast { auto | rate-value } | { disabled | mandatory | supported } rate-value }

The default settings are as follows:

¡ 802.11a/802.11an/802.11ac/802.11ax radios:

- Prohibited rates—None.

- Mandatory rates—6, 12, and 24.

- Multicast rate—Selected from the mandatory rates.

- Supported rates—9, 18, 36, 48, and 54.

¡ 802.11b radios:

The strength of wireless signals gradually degrades as the transmission distance increases. The maximum transmission distance of wireless signals depends on the surrounding environment and on whether an external antenna is used.

· Without an external antenna—About 300 meters (984.25 ft).

· With an external antenna—30 km (18.64 miles) to 50 km (31.07 miles).

· In an area with obstacles—35 m (114.83 ft) to 50 m (164.04 ft).

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the maximum transmission distance.

distance distance

By default, the maximum transmission distance is 1 km (0.62 miles).

Enabling the continuous mode for a radio

About this task

This feature is used for network testing only. Do not use it under any other circumstances.

The feature enables continuous data packet sending at the specified rate. When the feature is enabled, do not perform any other operations except for changing the transmit rate.

For an 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g radio, set the transmit rate. For an 802.11n radio, set the transmit rate or MCS index. For an 802.11ac radio, set the transmit rate, MCS index, or VHT-MCS index.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Enable the continuous mode for the radio interface.

continuous-mode { mcs mcs-index | nss nss-index vht-mcs vhtmcs-index | rate rate-value }

By default, the continuous mode is disabled.

Performing on-demand channel usage measurement

About this task

This feature enables an AP to scan supported channels and display the channel usage after scanning. It takes about one second to scan a channel.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Perform on-demand channel usage measurement.

channel-usage measure

Setting the channel usage alarm threshold

About this task

If the actual channel usage exceeds the threshold, the device reports an alarm to the information center.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter AP view or an AP group's AP model view.

¡ Enter AP view.

wlan ap ap-name

¡ Execute the following commands in sequence to enter an AP group's AP model view:

wlan ap-group group-name

ap-model ap-model

3. Enter radio view.

radio radio-id

4. Set the channel usage alarm threshold.

channel-usage threshold threshold

By default:

¡ In radio view, a radio uses the configuration in an AP group's radio view.

¡ In an AP group's radio view, the channel usage alarm threshold is 90%.

Configuring 802.11n functions

NOTE:

802.11n functions are applicable only to 802.11an, 802.11gn, 802.11ac, 802.11gac, 802.11ax, and 802.11gax radios.

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Configuring the A-MPDU aggregation method

About this task

A MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) is a data frame in 802.11 format. MPDU aggregation aggregates multiple MPDUs into one aggregate MPDU (A-MPDU) to reduce additional information, ACK frames, and Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) header overhead. This improves network throughput and channel efficiency.

All MPDUs in an A-MPDU must have the same QoS priority, source address, and destination address.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure the A-MPDU aggregation method.

a-mpdu { disable | enable }

By default, the A-MPDU aggregation method is enabled.

Configuring the A-MSDU aggregation method

Setting MCS indexes

About this task

802.11n clients use the rate corresponding to the MCS index to send unicast frames. 802.11a/b/g clients use the 802.11a/b/g rate to send unicast frames.

If you do not set a multicast MCS index, 802.11n clients and the AP use the 802.11a/b/g multicast rate to send multicast frames. If you set a multicast MCS index, one of following events occurs:

· The AP and clients use the rate corresponding to the multicast MCS index to send multicast frames if only 802.11n and 802.11ac clients exist.

· The AP and clients use the 802.11a/b/g multicast rate to send multicast frames if any 802.11a/b/g clients exist.

When you set the maximum mandatory or supported MCS index, you are specifying a range. For example, if you set the maximum mandatory MCS index to 5, rates corresponding to MCS indexes 0 through 5 are configured as 802.11n mandatory rates.

Restrictions and guidelines

The multicast MCS index cannot be greater than the maximum mandatory MCS index.

The maximum supported MCS index cannot be smaller than the maximum mandatory MCS index.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the maximum mandatory MCS index.

dot11n mandatory maximum-mcs index

By default, no maximum mandatory MCS index is set.

4. Set the maximum supported MCS index.

dot11n support maximum-mcs index

By default, the maximum supported MCS index is 76.

5. Set the multicast MCS index.

dot11n multicast-mcs index

By default, no multicast MCS index is set.

Configuring the client dot11n-only feature

About this task

To prevent low-speed 802.11a/b/g clients from decreasing wireless data transmission performance, you can enable the client dot11n-only feature for an AP to accept only 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax clients.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure the client dot11n-only feature.

client dot11n-only { disable | enable }

By default, the client dot11n-only feature is disabled.

Setting the 802.11n bandwidth mode

About this task

802.11n uses the channel structure of 802.11a/b/g, but it increases the number of data subchannels in each 20 MHz channel to 52. This improves data transmission rate.

802.11n binds two adjacent 20 MHz channels to form a 40 MHz channel (one primary channel and one secondary channel). This provides a simple way to double the data rate.

If the current channel of a radio does not support the specified bandwidth mode, the radio clears the channel configuration and selects another channel.

If the bandwidth mode is set to 40 MHz, the radio uses the 40 MHz bandwidth if two adjacent channels that can be bound together exist. If there are no adjacent channels that can be bound together, the radio uses the 20 MHz bandwidth.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the 802.11n bandwidth mode.

channel band-width { 20 | 40 [ auto-switch ] }

By default, the bandwidth mode is 40 MHz for 802.11an radios and 20 MHz for 802.11gn radios.

Only 802.11gn radios support the auto-switch keyword.

Specifying a MIMO mode

NOTE:

The number of spatial streams supported by a radio varies by AP model.

‌

About this task

Multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) enables a radio to send and receive wireless signals through multiple spatial streams. This improves system capacity and spectrum usage without requiring higher bandwidth.

A radio can operate in one of the following MIMO modes:

· 1x1—Sends and receives wireless signals through one spatial stream.

· 2x2—Sends and receives wireless signals through two spatial streams.

· 3x3—Sends and receives wireless signals through three spatial streams.

· 4x4—Sends and receives wireless signals through four spatial streams.

· 5x5—Sends and receives wireless signals through five spatial streams.

· 6x6—Sends and receives wireless signals through six spatial streams.

· 7x7—Sends and receives wireless signals through seven spatial streams.

· 8x8—Sends and receives wireless signals through eight spatial streams.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Specify a MIMO mode.

mimo { 1x1 | 2x2 | 3x3 | 4x4 | 5x5 | 6x6 | 7x7 | 8x8 }

The default MIMO mode for a radio varies by device model.

Configuring energy saving

About this task

After you enable the energy-saving feature, the MIMO mode of a radio automatically changes to 1x1 if no clients associate with the radio and the radio is not enabled with WIPS.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure energy saving.

green-energy-management { disable | enable }

By default, energy saving is disabled.

Configuring 802.11n protection

About this task

When both 802.11n and non-802.11n clients exist in a WLAN, transmission collision might occur because they use different modulation modes.

802.11n devices send RTS/CTS or CTS-to-self packets before sending data only when non-802.11n signals are detected on the channel.

802.11n protection automatically takes effect when non-802.11n clients associate with an 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax AP.

NOTE:

802.11n devices refer to 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax devices.

‌

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure 802.11n protection.

dot11n protection { disable | enable }

By default, 802.11n protection is disabled.

Configuring 802.11ac functions

NOTE:

802.11ac functions are applicable only to 802.11ac, 802.11gac, 802.11ax, and 802.11gax radios.

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Setting NSSs

About this task

If the AP supports an NSS, it supports all VHT-MCS indexes for the NSS. 802.11ac clients use the rate corresponding to the VHT-MCS index for the NSS to send unicast frames. Non-802.11ac clients use the 802.11a/b/g/n rate to send unicast frames.

If you do not set a multicast NSS, 802.11ac clients and the AP use the 802.11a/b/g/n multicast rate to send multicast frames. If you set a multicast NSS and specify a VHT-MCS index, the following situations occur:

· The AP and clients use the rate corresponding to the VHT-MCS index to send multicast frames if all clients are 802.11ac clients.

· The AP and clients use the 802.11a/b/g/n multicast rate to send multicast frames if any non-802.11ac clients exist.

The maximum mandatory NSS or supported NSS determines a range of 802.11 rates. For example, if the maximum mandatory NSS is 5, rates corresponding to VHT-MCS indexes for NSSs 1 through 5 will be 802.11ac mandatory rates.

Restrictions and guidelines

The maximum supported NSS cannot be smaller than the maximum mandatory NSS and the multicast NSS cannot be greater than the maximum mandatory NSS.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the maximum mandatory NSS.

dot11ac mandatory maximum-nss nss-number

By default, no maximum mandatory NSS is set.

4. Set the maximum supported NSS.

dot11ac support maximum-nss nss-number

By default, the maximum supported NSS is 8.

5. Set the multicast NSS and specify a VHT-MCS index.

dot11ac multicast-nss nss-number vht-mcs index

By default, no multicast NSS is set.

Configuring the client dot11ac-only feature

About this task

To prevent low-speed 802.11a/b/g/n clients from decreasing wireless data transmission performance, you can enable the client dot11ac-only feature for an AP to accept only 802.11ac and 802.11ax clients.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure the client dot11ac-only feature.

client dot11ac-only { disable | enable }

By default, the client dot11ac-only feature is disabled.

Setting the 802.11ac bandwidth mode

About this task

802.11ac uses the channel structure of 802.11n and increases the maximum bandwidth from 40 MHz to 160 MHz. 802.11ac can bind two adjacent 20/40/80 MHz channels to form a 40/80/160 MHz channel.

The radio uses the specified 40/80/160 MHz bandwidth if adjacent channels can be bound to form a 40/80/160 channel. If adjacent channels cannot form a 40/80/160 channel, the radio uses the next available bandwidth less than the specified one.

If the working channel is specified and the actual working bandwidth is 160 MHz, the device automatically selects a secondary channel. The working channel forwards all packets and the secondary channel forwards only data packets.

If the current channel of a radio does not support the specified bandwidth mode, the radio clears the channel configuration and selects another channel.

Figure 1 802.11ac bandwidth modes

‌

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the 802.11ac bandwidth mode:

channel band-width { 20 | 40 | 80 | 160 }

Execute this command in the view of a 5 GHz radio interface.

By default, the bandwidth mode is 80 MHz for 802.11ac radios.

4. Set the 802.11gac bandwidth mode:

channel band-width { 20 | 40 [ auto-switch ] }

Execute this command in the view of a 2.4 GHz radio interface.

By default, the bandwidth mode is 20 MHz for 802.11gac radios.

Configuring TxBF

About this task

Transmit beamforming (TxBF) enables an AP to adjust transmitting parameters based on the channel information to focus RF signals on intended clients. This feature improves the RF signal quality. TxBF includes single-user TxBF and multi-user TxBF.

· Single-user TxBF—Single-user TxBF enables an AP to improve the signal to one intended client. Single-user TxBF is applicable to WLANs that have widely spread clients, poor network quality, and serious signal attenuation.

· Multi-user TxBF—Multi-user TxBF is part of 802.11ac Wave2. Multi-user TxBF enables an AP to focus different RF signals on their intended clients to reduce interference and transmission delay. This improves traffic throughput and bandwidth usage. Multi-user TxBF is applicable to WLANs that have a large number of clients and require high bandwidth usage and low transmission delay.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure single-user TxBF.

su-txbf { disable | enable }

By default, single-user TxBF is disabled.

4. Configure multi-user TxBF.

mu-txbf { disable | enable }

By default, multi-user TxBF is disabled.

Multi-user TxBF takes effect only when single-user TxBF is enabled.

Configuring 802.11ax functions

NOTE:

802.11ax functions are applicable only to 802.11ax and 802.11gax radios.

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Setting NSSs

About this task

If an AP supports an NSS, it supports all HE-MCS indexes for the NSS. 802.11ax clients that use the rate corresponding to the HE-MCS index for the NSS to send unicast frames. Non-802.11ax clients use the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac rate to send unicast frames.

If you do not set a multicast NSS, 802.11ax clients and the AP use the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac multicast rate to send multicast frames. If you set a multicast NSS and specify an HE-MCS index, the following situations occur:

· The AP and clients use the rate corresponding to the HE-MCS index to send multicast frames if all clients are 802.11ax clients.

· The AP and clients use the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac multicast rate to send multicast frames if any non-802.11ax clients exist.

The maximum mandatory NSS or supported NSS determines a range of 802.11 rates. For example, if the maximum mandatory NSS is 5, rates corresponding to HE-MCS indexes for NSSs 1 through 5 will be 802.11ax mandatory rates.

Restrictions and guidelines

The maximum supported NSS cannot be smaller than the maximum mandatory NSS and the multicast NSS cannot be greater than the maximum mandatory NSS.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the maximum mandatory NSS.

dot11ax mandatory maximum-nss nss-number

By default, no maximum mandatory NSS is set.

4. Set the maximum supported NSS.

dot11ax support maximum-nss nss-number

By default, the maximum supported NSS is 8.

5. Set the multicast NSS and specify an HE-MCS index.

dot11ax multicast-nss nss-number he-mcs index

By default, no multicast NSS is set.

Configuring the client dot11ax-only feature

About this task

To prevent low-speed 802.11a/b/g/n/ac clients from decreasing wireless data transmission performance, you can enable the client dot11ax-only feature for an AP to accept only 802.11ax clients.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Configure the client dot11ax-only feature.

client dot11ax-only { disable | enable }

By default, the client dot11ax-only feature is disabled.

Setting the 802.11ax bandwidth mode

About this task

802.11ax uses the channel structure of 802.11n and increases the maximum bandwidth from 40 MHz to 160 MHz. 802.11ax can bind two adjacent 20/40/80 MHz channels to form a 40/80/160 MHz channel.

If a working channel is specified for the 160 MHz bandwidth mode, the device automatically selects a secondary channel. The working channel forwards all packets and the secondary channel forwards only data packets.

If the current channel of a radio does not support the specified bandwidth mode, the radio clears the channel configuration and selects another channel.

Figure 2 802.11ax bandwidth modes

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Restrictions and guidelines

802.11gax supports only the 20 MHz and 40 MHz bandwidth modes.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the 802.11ax bandwidth mode:

channel band-width { 20 | 40 | 80 | 160 }

Execute this command in the view of a 5 GHz radio interface.

By default, the bandwidth mode is 80 MHz for 802.11ax radios.

4. Set the 802.11gax bandwidth mode:

channel band-width { 20 | 40 [ auto-switch ] }

Execute this command in the view of a 2.4 GHz radio interface.

By default, the bandwidth mode is 20 MHz for 802.11gax radios.

Configuring error packet ratio optimization and retransmission ratio optimization

About this task

This feature enables the device to recalculate the error packet ratio and retransmission ratio by using the specified indexes to get smaller ratio values.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Set the index for optimizing the error packet ratio.

wlan error-frame optimization value

By default, the index for optimizing the error packet ratio is not set.

3. Set the index for optimizing the retransmission ratio.

wlan retransmit-frame optimization value

By default, the index for optimizing the retransmission ratio is not set.

Setting the radio channel usage threshold

About the radio channel usage threshold

CAUTION:

Adjusting the radio usage threshold might affect online clients. Please use this feature with caution. A small threshold might cause channel resource waste and a large threshold might result in radio overload and affect WLAN performance.

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The system hides the SSID of a radio when the radio's channel usage exceeds the threshold. To associate with the radio when the SSID is hidden, clients must perform active scanning.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Set the radio channel usage threshold.

sacp ssid-hide channel-usage-threshold threshold

By default, the radio channel usage threshold is 90%.

Disabling radar avoidance

About this task

Radar avoidance enables a radio to change its working channel or keep silent when radar signals are detected on the working channel, avoiding interference on radars. After 30 minutes, the radio switches back to the previous working channel or restarts transmission. If radar signals can still be detected, the radio changes its working channel or keeps silent again.

With radar avoidance disabled, radios continue to transmit or receive traffic on the working channels even if radar signals are detected on the channels.

Restrictions and guidelines

Disable radar avoidance only when you perform device debugging.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter radio interface view.

interface wlan-radio interface-number

3. Disable radar avoidance.

radar-detect disable

By default, radar avoidance is enabled.

Display and maintenance commands for radio management

Execute display commands in any view.

Task	Command
Display client information.	display wlan client [ interface interface-type interface-number \| mac-address mac-address \| service-template service-template-name ] [ verbose ]
Display radio information.	display wlan radio radio-id

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Radio management configuration examples

The parameters configured in this example are for reference only. To achieve the best performance,configure the parameters based on your actural network requirements.

Example: Configuring basic radio functions

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 3, set the radio mode, working channel, and maximum transmit power to 802.11b, channel 36, and 19 dBm, respectively.

Figure 3 Network diagram

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Procedure

# Enter radio interface view.

<AP> system-view

[AP] interface wlan-radio 1/0/1

# Set the radio mode to dot11b.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] type dot11b

# Configure the radio to work on channel 36.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] channel 36

# Set the maximum transmit power to 19 dBm.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] max-power 19

Verifying the configuration

# Verify that the online clients are 802.11b clients.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] display wlan client verbose

Total number of clients: 1

MAC address : 000f-e265-6400

IPv4 address : 10.1.1.114

IPv6 address : 2001::1234:5678:0102:0304

Username : N/A

AID : 1

AP ID : 1

AP name : ap1

Radio ID : 1

SSID : office

BSSID : 0026-3e08-1150

VLAN ID : 1

Power save mode : Active

Wireless mode : 802.11b

Supported rates : 1, 2 Mbps

QoS mode : WMM

Listen interval : 10

RSSI : 62

Rx/Tx rate : 130/11

Authentication method : Open system

Security mode : PRE-RSNA

AKM mode : N/A

Cipher suite : N/A

User authentication mode : Bypass

Authorization ACL ID : 3001(Not effective)

Authorization user profile : N/A

Authorization CAR : N/A

Roam status : N/A

Key derivation : SHA1

PMF status : Enabled

Forward policy : N/A

Online time : 0hr 1min 13sec

FT status : Inactive

Example: Configuring 802.11n

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 4, specify the radio as an 802.11an radio, and enable the A-MSDU and A-MPDU aggregation methods on the radio.

Figure 4 Network diagram

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Procedure

# Enter radio interface view.

<AP> system-view

[AP] interface wlan-radio 1/0/1

# Set the radio mode to dot11an.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] type dot11an

# Enable the A-MSDU and A-MPDU aggregation methods.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] a-mpdu enable

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] a-msdu enable

# Enable the radio.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] undo shutdown

Verifying the configuration

# Display client information.

[AP-WLAN-Radio1/0/1] display wlan client verbose

Total number of clients: 1

MAC address : 000f-e265-6400

IPv4 address : 10.1.1.114

IPv6 address : 2001::1234:5678:0102:0304

Username : N/A

AID : 1

AP ID : 1

AP name : ap1

Radio ID : 1

SSID : office

BSSID : 0026-3e08-1150

VLAN ID : 1

Power save mode : Active

Wireless mode : 802.11an

Supported rates : 1, 2 Mbps

QoS mode : WMM

Listen interval : 10

RSSI : 62

Rx/Tx rate : 130/11

Authentication method : Open system

Security mode : PRE-RSNA

AKM mode : N/A

Cipher suite : N/A

User authentication mode : Bypass

Authorization ACL ID : 3001(Not effective)

Authorization user profile : N/A

Authorization CAR : N/A

Roam status : N/A

Key derivation : SHA1

PMF status : Enabled

Forward policy : N/A

Online time : 0hr 1min 13sec

FT status : Inactive

08-Radio Resources Management Configuration Guide

MCS types

MCS parameters

VHT-MCS types

VHT-MCS parameters

HE-MCS types

HE-MCS parameters

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Restrictions and guidelines

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Setting transmission rates

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Setting the maximum transmission distance

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Configuring 802.11n functions

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Setting NSSs

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Configuring the client dot11ac-only feature

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