Next-Generation Broadband Access Deployments & Embracing WiFi 7 Testing

In today's hyperconnected world, there is a critical need for reliable, high-speed internet connections. Remote work, distance learning, and virtual interactions have become permanent fixtures in our daily routines. As broadband demand continues to grow exponentially, service providers must explore innovative strategies to improve deployment efficiency while addressing modern connectivity needs effectively.

As networks evolve to XGS-PON with higher capacity, technicians must implement advanced power measurement protocols for managing multiple wavelengths. This is crucial during transitions when legacy GPON and XGS-PON coexist. Additionally, WiFi 7 technology complicates customer premises testing. In this post we look at the new EXFO EX10, with WiFi 7 testing capabilities, allows technicians to verify wireless throughput over 1 Gbps in residential and commercial settings, ensuring end-users can fully utilise their high-speed fibre connections wirelessly.

Evolution of Broadband Access Technologies

Broadband access technologies have evolved significantly in recent years, enabling faster speeds and better connectivity. The industry is now deploying next-generation standards like XGS-PON and NG-PON2. In Australia, the upcoming adoption of XGS-PON can greatly increase capacity, offering symmetrical 10-gigabit capabilities using a single downstream and upstream wavelength. Both XGS-PON and 25GS-PON technologies can enhance broadband speeds and capacity across the NBN network. They also provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, which are becoming increasingly important due to the rise of applications like cloud gaming, HD video conferencing, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

So far, Passive Optical Network (PON) technologies, mainly GPON and EPON, have seen widespread adoption. Research and development continue to explore even higher-capacity standards, including 25G PON and 50G PON, with active industry discussions already underway about potential 100G PON implementations.

NBN was one of the pioneers in the global deployment of Nokia’s next-generation MF series Optical Line Terminals, designed to meet the increased bandwidth demands of XGS-PON and 25GS-PON technologies.

NBN has successfully conducted trials of multiple next-generation passive optical network (PON) technologies at its FTTP exchange station in Sydney. These trials demonstrated broadband speeds of 10G, 25G, 50G, and 100G over its existing fibre network. NBN claims this is the first deployment of prototype technology in a practical setting beyond laboratory environments.

Using Nokia’s Lightspan MF fibre access platform, NBN demonstrated the technology and achieved a maximum wholesale download speed of 83 Gbits/s on a live fibre access network during this trial in April 2024.

These trials are a crucial step in delivering NBN’s long-term network strategy, which aims to introduce multi-gigabit services to homes, businesses, and new developments across the country in the future.

The new EXFO EX10-7 Multigigabit Testing Solution

The EXFO EX10-7 Multigigabit residential and business services tester is a comprehensive connection testing tool for broadband installers and technicians. These purpose-built devices facilitate on-site validation of bandwidth speeds up to full line rate 10 Gigabit Ethernet, including both GPON and XGS-PON architectures. Most significantly, the EX10's capabilities have now been expanded to include testing for cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology, enabling technicians to thoroughly monitor and optimise residential quality of experience (QoE).

The EX10 features multiple interface options supporting 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G Ethernet connections, making it versatile across various deployment scenarios. Its compact form factor belies the clever testing architecture within, providing technicians with laboratory-grade measurement precision in a field-ready package.

WiFi 7 Testing

The latest iteration of the EX10 incorporates WiFi 7 testing capabilities, a significant advancement over previous WiFi generations. WiFi 7 (802.11be) operates in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands simultaneously, the EX10 can now validate:

• 320 MHz Channel Bandwidth: Double the 160 MHz channels available in WiFi 6/6E, allowing for dramatically increased throughput
• 4K QAM Modulation: Enhanced modulation scheme offering 20% higher data rates compared to WiFi 6's 1024-QAM
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Capability to aggregate channels across different frequency bands simultaneously
• Multi-Resource Unit (Multi-RU): Advanced spectrum allocation for improved efficiency in dense environments

The EX10 measurments provide technicians with a comprehensive assessment of WiFi 7 performance characteristics that directly impact end-user experience.

Room-by-Room WiFi Validation Methodology

The EX10 employs a room-by-room validation methodology for WiFi 7 networks, leveraging Speedtest® by Ookla® technology to determine whether each room within a residential or business environment can adequately support increasingly demanding applications, including video streaming at resolutions ranging from standard HD to 4K and the upcoming 8K standard. This granular testing approach ensures comprehensive coverage analysis throughout the entire premises.

The testing protocol systematically evaluates:

1. Throughput Metrics: Raw download and upload speeds achievable in each location
2. Latency Profiles: Round-trip time and jitter measurements critical for real-time applications
3. Application Performance: Specialised tests for video streaming, videoconferencing, and gaming applications
4. Multi-device Simulation: Capacity testing under various simultaneous connection scenarios

This methodical approach enables technicians to certify that over-the-top (OTT) video streaming services and other bandwidth-intensive applications will perform optimally throughout the entire premises.

Advanced WiFi 7 Troubleshooting Architecture

The EX10's troubleshooting capabilities have been enhanced to address the complexities of WiFi 7 deployments. The system now incorporates advanced diagnostic algorithms that provide technicians with detailed channel metrics on a room-by-room basis. The EX10's spectrum analysis tools retrieve critical data points including:

• Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI): Precise measurement of signal power at various locations
• Channel Utilisation: Detailed analysis of bandwidth consumption and interference patterns
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Critical metric for determining connection quality and stability
• Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID): Access point identification and association status
• Multi-Link Operation Status: Verification of proper channel aggregation across frequency bands
• 320 MHz Channel Optimisation: Analysis of wide-channel implementation efficiency
• Spatial Stream Performance: Verification of MIMO configuration and performance

These metrics are systematically captured as snapshots at various locations, with each snapshot precisely tagged to its corresponding room location. The EX10 then integrates all collected data points into a comprehensive, unified report that provides technicians with actionable intelligence for resolving complex WiFi issues. This might include strategic router repositioning, channel reconfiguration, or implementation of mesh network extenders to ensure optimal coverage.

Lessons in Broadband Deployments

In the EXFO blog post “6 ways to improve your broadband access deployments” Vincent Racine, Senior Product Line Manager at EXFO, presents strategies employed in the North American market aimed at optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of broadband access deployments.

Infrastructure Modernisation: To meet the increased connectivity needs of the post-pandemic world, advanced technologies like XGS-PON will be strategically deployed to achieve higher speeds and increased capacity. A systematic architecture ensuring backward compatibility and a clear migration path to future standards is crucial. Thorough network audits identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints, hybrid deployment models overlay XGS-PON on existing GPON infrastructure, and wavelength management protocols in multi-wavelength environments are established. Developing migration schedules minimises service disruption while maximising infrastructure utilisation is vital.

Optimised Network Topology Engineering: Designing efficient network topologies involves considering factors like population density, geographical limitations, and optimal split ratios. Advanced modelling simulates network behaviour under diverse load conditions before deployment. Key considerations include hierarchical splitting architectures based on population density profiles, optimising fibre routes to reduce deployment, calculating precise optical power budgets, and designing redundancy pathways for continuous service.

Strategic Splitter Configuration: The choice between balanced and unbalanced optical splitters impacts network performance. Unbalanced splitters enhance loss budget management and are beneficial in distributed tap architectures for rural broadband initiatives.

Important technical considerations include:

• Calculating optimal splitter ratios based on subscriber distance profiles.
• Implementing cascade splitting architectures to extend reach while maintaining signal integrity.
• Addressing OTDR testing complexities in distributed tap environments using advanced intelligent OTDR software.
• Developing comprehensive splitter documentation protocols for future troubleshooting.

Multi-Wavelength Power Measurement

As networks evolve towards XGS-PON with higher capacities, technicians must adopt new power measurement protocols that can simultaneously measure multiple wavelengths. This is especially important during transition periods when legacy GPON and XGS-PON technologies coexist. Implementation requires deploying PON power meters with precise individual wavelength measurements, establishing baseline power measurements for each technology layer, implementing automated power threshold alerts to detect degradation, and comprehensive documentation.

Comprehensive WiFi 7 Validation at Customer Premises

With the advent of WiFi 7 technology, customer premises testing has become increasingly sophisticated. The EXFO EX10 with its expanded WiFi 7 testing capabilities now enables technicians to validate unprecedented wireless throughput exceeding 1 Gbps throughout residential and business environments. This comprehensive validation approach ensures that end-users experience the full benefits of their high-speed fibre connections wirelessly.

WiFi 7 Testing Protocol:

• Conduct systematic room-by-room throughput testing using standardised methodologies
• Verify multi-device performance under various load conditions
• Document and optimise channel selection across all three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz)
• Configure Multi-Link Operation to maximise performance across frequency bands
• Validate streaming performance for 8K video applications
• Optimise spatial stream configurations for maximum MIMO performance
• Generate comprehensive WiFi certification reports for customer documentation

Wrapping-Up

The combination of fibre infrastructure, new standards like XGS-PON, and optimised WiFi 7 performance will have great potentail to improve network experiences for both residential and business customers in our increasingly connected world. As broadband demands continue to evolve, the integration of comprehensive testing methodologies throughout the deployment lifecycle remains essential for service assurance and customer satisfaction. The EXFO EX10 is a valuable new tool for this testing ecosystem, enabling technicians to validate, troubleshoot, and optimise next-generation networks and customers connections with confidence and precision.