The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with vehicles transitioning towards software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures. As this shift takes place, connectivity has emerged as the indispensable backbone facilitating this transformation. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is at the forefront of connectivity solutions, and they have recently unveiled the Qualcomm QCA6797AQ, the world’s first Automotive Grade Wi-Fi 7 Access Point solution. In this article, we will explore how Wi-Fi 7 will transform experiences in next-generation vehicles.
Meeting the demand for advanced in-vehicle experiences and applications
As vehicles become personalized, connected spaces, there is a growing need for advanced infotainment systems and augmented reality dashboards. The rise of immersive in-vehicle experiences has led to the development of next-generation applications and interactive entertainment. Wi-Fi 7 is a transformative force, addressing the connectivity needs essential for these sophisticated in-vehicle experiences and cutting-edge applications.
Key technological innovations of Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 introduces several key technological innovations to the market, including High Band Simultaneous (HBS), Multi-link Multi-Radio (MLMR), 320 MHz channel bandwidth, 4K Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), and Adaptive Puncturing. These advancements enable the Qualcomm QCA6797AQ to provide improved link-reliability, lower latency, greater capacity, and faster connectivity for in-vehicle experiences and applications.
Improved link-reliability and lower latency
Wi-Fi 7, with support for HBS MLMR, significantly improves connection reliability by operating simultaneously on 5GHz and 6GHz channels. This allows for uninterrupted data transfers and lower latencies, virtually eliminating dropped connections due to external interference. Latency-sensitive applications such as movie streaming and gaming run smoother with less lag or dropped connections, even in the face of interference from toll booths, congested intersections, and fixed wireless links.
Greater capacity and faster connectivity
Wi-Fi 7 offers significantly increased capacity through the use of 6GHz spectrum, which allows for 320 MHz channels. Coupled with 4K QAM, Wi-Fi 7 can achieve peak throughputs of up to 5.8 Gbps, enabling vehicles to download High-Definition Maps even faster. Adaptive Puncturing further enhances efficiency by allowing the use of wider channels, even when part of the channel is unavailable. As consumers use an increasing number of Wi-Fi devices in vehicles, Wi-Fi 7 brings increased capacity, higher data rates, and lower latencies, ushering in a new era of in-vehicle experiences.
Transforming automotive through connected services
The integration of connectivity in vehicles opens up new opportunities for automakers and fleet service providers to provide connected services. These services not only create ongoing sources of revenue but also redefine business models and change the dynamics of how automakers engage with vehicle owners. With Wi-Fi 7, software updates can be delivered to the vehicle significantly faster. Automakers can efficiently offload vehicle data at dealerships, charging stations, or retail outlets. Rental companies can provide enhanced features and user experiences for limited durations as a premium feature. The seamless connectivity facilitated by the Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform and Car-to-Cloud allows automakers and fleet providers to maintain direct connections with consumers beyond the initial point of sale.
Conclusion
Qualcomm Technologies’ Wi-Fi 7 solutions push the boundaries of what Wi-Fi can deliver, with enhanced speeds, latency, and network capacity. With the introduction of the Qualcomm QCA6797AQ into the Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform, Qualcomm solidifies its leadership role in driving the software-defined vehicle revolution. As vehicles continue to evolve into connected spaces, Wi-Fi 7 will play a crucial role in transforming in-vehicle experiences and enabling next-generation applications.
