WIFI-7 optimized zoning architecture and method of operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a WIFI-7 optimized zoning architecture and a method of operation. The invention provides a system or access point with a zoning architecture. The first radio is in communication with a 6G front end module (FEM) connected to a first filter switch group (FSB) configured to enable a 6G high band pass filter, a 6G wide band pass filter, or a 6G narrow band pass filter. The second radio communicates with a 5G FEM connected to a second FSB configured to enable the 6G low-band-pass filter, the first 5G low-band-pass filter, the 5G wide-band-pass filter, or the 5G narrow-band-pass filter. A third radio device communicates with a 2-5G dual band FEM connected to a third FSB configured to enable a 6G full band pass filter, a 5G high band pass filter, or a second 5G low band pass filter. The 2-5G dual FEM may also be connected to a fourth FSB, the fourth FSB configured to enable a 2G application.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) radio band is a portion of the unlicensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum used by IEEE 802.11 devices and wireless Internet service providers (ISPs) for Wi-Fi communications. Currently, U-NII allocates Wi-Fi channels in the 5GHz band across four sub-bands: U-NII-1 (5.150 to 5.250 GHz), U-NII-2 (5.250 GHz to 5.725 GHz), U-NII-3 (5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz), and U-NII-4 (5.850 GHz to 5.925 GHz).

[0002] Recently, efforts have been made to include the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi communications. For example, it has been proposed to allocate Wi-Fi channels in the 6 GHz U-NII radio band across four sub-bands: U-NII-5 (5.945 to 6.425 GHz), U-NII-6 (6.425 GHz to 6.525 GHz), U-NII-7 (6.525 GHz to 6.875 GHz), and U-NII-8 (6.875 GHz to 7.125 GHz). Such channel allocation in the 6 GHz band will greatly increase the number of available channels for Wi-Fi communications, especially when currently available Wi-Fi bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) are becoming increasingly congested due to use by ISPs and wireless local area networks (WLANs). In addition, such channel allocation in the 6 GHz band brings the possibility of higher aggregate throughput across all Wi-Fi bands.

[0003] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 communications standard, more commonly known as Wi-Fi, specifies a set of media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) protocols for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communications. The IEEE 802.11 protocol represents a set of interface standards for short-range communications developed by the IEEE 802.11 committee. For example, a device implementing the IEEE 802.11 protocol may have both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz radio for transmitting and receiving data and management frames between devices with similar radio configurations.

[0004] Wi-Fi 7 is the successor to Wi-Fi 6 / 6E and offers 320MHz bandwidth in the 6GHz band. Wi-Fi 7 promises to significantly improve the speed and stability of wireless connections while providing lower latency and the ability to seamlessly manage more connections than before. However, there are coexistence issues when 6GHz clients and 5GHz clients communicate asynchronously with the same access point (AP). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present disclosure according to one or more various embodiments is described in detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are provided for illustration purposes only and merely depict typical or example embodiments.

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a network device for continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation through selective filtering according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a switching device for selective filtering for continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 are example computing components that can be used to implement various features of the examples described in this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 A table providing examples of modes in which an AP or network device may operate according to examples of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 Depicted is a block diagram of an example computer system in which various embodiments described herein may be implemented.

[0011] The drawings are not exhaustive and do not limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for operating an optimized split-band architecture that can provide (1) continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation through selective filtering, (2) split-band operation, (3) ultra-low latency (ULL) mode, and / or (4) intelligent spectrum scanning.

[0013] MLO (Multi-Link Operation) is an important MAC feature introduced in Wi-Fi 7. MLO enables devices to send and receive data simultaneously across different frequency bands (such as 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band) and channels. More specifically, MLO is a specific feature of the IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT) Wi-Fi 7 standard that allows network devices (such as APs and client devices) to transmit and receive data from the same service stream over multiple radio channels. For example, a first network device (e.g., an AP) may implement multiple radios, such as a 2.4GHz radio and a 5GHz radio, and each of these radios may communicate using a similar or overlapping frequency radio on a second network device (e.g., a client device). Therefore, multi-link devices (MLDs) can communicate with each other using multiple links (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz). Having multiple links to choose from increases throughput.

[0014] The adoption of 320MHz channels in the 6GHz band as part of the IEEE 802.11be standard (WiFi-7), coupled with 160MHz channels in the 5GHz band (particularly to allow the UNII-4 sub-band) exacerbates the coexistence issues that exist when 6GHz clients and 5GHz clients communicate asynchronously with the same AP. This coexistence issue may have been solved for 160MHz channels in UNII-5; however, new solutions are needed to allow 320MHz operation. 320MHz channels are not only critical from a higher physical layer (PHY) rate perspective, but they also provide lower latency due to the higher PHY rate. The PHY rate is the maximum speed at which data can move across the wireless link between the wireless client and the wireless router. Note that the new 6GHz band is generally less congested because the number of devices operating in the new band is lower.

[0015] The new 6GHz band also provides a smart beacon scheme that can save airtime and only allow communications based on the IEEE 802.11ax Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) protocol, which is inherently suitable for providing lower latency by providing efficient spectrum usage (using resource units) and scheduling. Such factors can combine to provide even lower latency that is unmatched in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. However, providing 320MHz channels and split-band modes (specifically, splitting 6GHz for the new ULL mode) requires solving intermodulation distortion (IMD) interference and congestion issues.

[0016] One solution is to design wide fractional bandwidth steep rejection filters and very high linearity radio frequency (RF) switches to implement an RF front end that can achieve the above modes. The present disclosure provides an inventive way to provide these modes while keeping the cost low enough to cost effectively implement such a design.

[0017] With the WiFi-7 IEEE 802.11.be standard, key features such as MLO provide some new opportunities to dynamically utilize the AP radio in a flexible manner, providing such channels that are amenable to delivering low latency. In addition, some differentiation from previous generation Wi-Fi-6E APs is needed because customers will gradually change their networks as WiFi-7 becomes more popular in clients and future applications.

[0018] Conventional architectures for AP radios typically involve static configuration of roles / bands for each radio at design time, either through the choice of front-end modules (FEMs) or through the choice of filters. The radios themselves are capable of operating in any of the three Wi-Fi bands currently in use (2GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz), but transmit (TX) power requirements for range and filtering specifications for simultaneous adjacent band operation can narrow the choices that can be used on the front end of the radio.

[0019] For any radio pair operating in the same or adjacent bands, appropriate filtering protection should be inserted inline. Switched filter banks (SFBs) have been used for dynamic configurability, but as the number of poles on such switched filter banks increases, combined with the high rejection requirements at closely adjacent frequencies of the filters on such banks, the linearity requirements for such switches increase. Covering the entire range of the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands using common FEMs is challenging, and vendors often only make medium or low power versions of these devices to suit the consumer or low-end AP market.

[0020] Technical improvements are achieved throughout the present disclosure. For example, with the features of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned coexistence problems that exist when 6GHz clients and 5GHz clients communicate asynchronously with the same AP for a 320MHz channel can be solved. The examples of the present disclosure lead to the redesign of filters and architectures to allow 320MHz operation and basic Wi-Fi 7 in all frequency bands. A notable feature of the method is the switch filter bank configuration and operation, that is, the selection of filters and how the filters operate: they operate separately and operate in combination with the front end. The examples of the present disclosure provide additional switching paths to achieve other filter conversion possibilities and separate in-band operation or cross-band capabilities. Simply adding additional paths for such highly selective filters is not easy to do, one reason being that if the linearity of the switch itself is not fully considered, the effect of the filter can be eliminated. Unless the technology will develop to a higher level of switches (e.g., military grade or radar applications), conventional radio frequency (RF) switch products for more than two poles do not provide the requirements required for the application, but this is still not cost-effective for commercially deployable electronic devices. An example of the disclosed technology is a three-radio approach for APs. The examples of the present disclosure can improve latency.

[0021] The present disclosure according to one example provides a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed cause a processor to operate a network device, the instructions causing the processor to operate a 6GHz front-end module, the 6GHz front-end module communicating with a first radio device in a 6GHz mode or a first split 5GHz / 6GHz mode. The instructions also cause the processor to operate a 5GHz front-end module communicating with a second radio device in a 5GHz mode, a first split 5G / 6G mode, or a second split 5GHz / 6GHz mode. The instructions also cause the processor to operate a 2-5GHz dual-band front-end module with a third radio communication device to execute a 2-5GHz / 802.11be front-end module, causing the 2-5GHz dual-band front-end module to operate in a 2GHz mode, a second split 5G / 6G mode, or a scanning radio mode. The instructions may further cause the processor to: configure the 2-5GHz dual-band front-end module to switch to 2GHz.

[0022] The disclosure according to another example provides a system with a band splitting architecture. The system includes a first radio device, the first radio device communicates with a 6G front-end module (FEM) connected to a first filter switch group (FSB), and the first filter switch group (FSB) is configured to enable a 6GHz high bandpass filter, a 6GHz wide bandpass filter, or a 6GHz narrow bandpass filter. The second radio device communicates with a 5GHz front-end module connected to a second filter switch group, and the second filter switch group is configured to enable a 6GHz low bandpass filter, a first 5GHz low bandpass filter, a 5GHz wide bandpass filter, or a 5GHz narrow bandpass filter. The third radio device communicates with a 2-5GHz dual-band front-end module connected to a third filter switch group, and the third filter switch group is configured to enable a 6GHz full-band path, a 5GHz high bandpass filter, or a second 5GHz low bandpass filter. The 2-5GHz dual front-end module can also be connected to a fourth filter switch group, and the fourth filter switch group is configured to enable 2GHz applications. The system can be an access point (AP).

[0023] In an example, the 6GHz front-end module and the 5GHz front-end module are both compliant with the IEEE 802.11be standard. For low 6G applications, the range of the 6GHz low bandpass filter can be up to 500MHz. The range of the 6G narrow bandpass filter can be up to 320MHz. The 2-5GHz dual-band front-end module can be configured to use the 6GHz full-band path as a 6GHz scanning radio. The 6GHz front-end module can be configured to operate in 6GHz mode using a 6GHz high bandpass filter, a 6GHz wideband pass filter, or a 6GHz narrow bandpass filter. The 5GHz front-end module can be configured to operate in a first split 5G / 6G mode, so that the operation in the 5GHz mode uses a first 5GHz low bandpass filter, a 5GHz wideband pass filter, or a 5GHz narrow bandpass filter, and the operation in the 6GHz mode uses a 6GHz low bandpass filter for low 6GHz applications.

[0024] The 2-5 GHz dual band front end module can be configured to perform as a 2-5 GHz 802.11be front end module such that the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module operates in a second split 5G / 6G mode, in the second split 5G / 6G mode, in the 5 GHz mode, operating using a 5 GHz high band pass filter or a second 5 GHz low band pass filter, and in the 6G mode, operating using a dedicated 5 GHz receive path from a third radio device to the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module to receive using a 6 GHz full band path.

[0025] The present disclosure according to another example provides a method of operating a network device. The method includes operating a 6 GHz front-end module communicating with a first radio device in 6 GHz mode using a 6 GHz high bandpass filter, a 6 GHz wide bandpass filter, or a 6 GHz narrow bandpass filter. The method also includes operating a 5 GHz front-end module communicating with a second radio device in a first split 5G / 6G mode, such that operating in 5 GHz mode includes using a first 5 GHz low bandpass filter, a 5 GHz wide bandpass filter, or a 5 GHz narrow bandpass filter, and operating in 6 GHz mode includes using a 6 GHz low bandpass filter for low 6 GHz applications. The method also includes operating a 2-5 GHz dual band front end module in communication with a third radio device to perform as a 2-5 GHz 802.11be front end module, so that the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module operates in a second split 5G / 6G mode, in which the operation in the 5 GHz mode includes using a 5 GHz high pass filter or a second 5 GHz low pass filter, and the operation in the 6 GHz mode includes configuring a dedicated 5 GHz receive path from the third radio device to the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module to receive using a 6 GHz full band path. The method may also include configuring the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module to switch to a 2 GHz application. The method may also include using a 6 GHz full band path connected to the third radio device as a 6 GHz scanning radio. In an example, the 5 GHz front end module and the 6 GHz front end module both comply with the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0026] According to another example, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed, cause a processor to operate a split-band architecture, the instructions causing the processor to: (1) operate a 6 GHz front-end module that communicates with a first radio device in a 6 GHz mode using a 6 GHz high bandpass filter, a 6 GHz wide bandpass filter, or a 6 GHz narrow bandpass filter; (2) operate a 5 GHz front-end module that communicates with a second radio device in a first split 5G / 6G mode, such that operation in the 5 GHz mode includes using a first 5 GHz low bandpass filter, a 5 GHz wide bandpass filter, or a 5 GHz narrow bandpass filter, and operation in the 6 GHz mode includes using a 6 GHz low passband filter for low 6 GHz applications; and (3) operating a 2-5 GHz dual band front end module in communication with a third radio device to perform as a 2-5 GHz 802.11be front end module such that the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module operates in a second split 5G / 6G mode, wherein in the second split 5G / 6G mode, operation in 5 GHz mode includes using a 5 GHz high passband filter or a second 5 GHz low passband filter and operation in 6 GHz mode includes configuring a dedicated 5 GHz receive path from the third radio device to the 2-5 GHz dual band front end module to receive using a 6 GHz full band path.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system, architecture or network device 100 according to an example of the present disclosure is included together. The network device 100 can be, for example, an AP W-Fi front end. More specifically, Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a network device 100 for (1) continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation, (2) split-band operation, (3) ultra-low latency (ULL) mode, and / or (4) smart spectrum scanning via selective filtering according to an example of the present disclosure. The network device 100 includes at least one processing resource 110 and at least one machine-readable medium 120, the at least one machine-readable medium 120 including (e.g., encoded with) at least instructions 122, the instructions 122 being executable by the at least one processing resource 110 of the network device 100 to implement the functionality described herein with respect to the instructions 122.

[0028] exist Figure 1In the examples of the present invention, the network device 100 can participate in any network data transmission operation, including but not limited to switching, routing, bridging or any combination thereof. In some examples, the network device 100 may include a wireless access point (WAP) or an access point (AP). In the examples described herein, WAP generally refers to a receiving point for any known or convenient wireless access technology, which may be known later. Specifically, the term WAP is not intended to be limited to WAPs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 standard. WAPs are generally used as electronic devices adapted to allow wireless devices to be connected to a wired network via various communication standards. WAPs may include any necessary hardware components for performing the present invention disclosed herein, including but not limited to: processors, memories, display devices, input devices, communication devices, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the network device 100 may be any suitable (multiple) type of network device manufactured by any suitable (multiple) manufacturer.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In an example of , the network device 100 includes a first radio 130, a second radio 132, and a third radio 134. In some examples, each of the first radio 130, the second radio 132, and the third radio 134 can operate at one or more frequency bands that comply with one or more IEEE standards (e.g., 802.11ax). In some examples, the first radio 130 can operate at one or more channels in the 6-7GHz frequency band. For example, the first radio 130 can operate at one or more channels across U-NII-5, U-NII-6, U-NII-7, and U-NII-8 sub-bands. In some examples, the second radio 132 can operate at one or more channels in the 5GHz or 6GHz frequency band. For example, the second radio 132 can operate at one or more channels across the proposed U-NII-1, U-NII-2, U-NII-3, U-NII-4, and U-NII-5 sub-bands. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first radio device 130, the second radio device 132, and the third radio device 134 may operate in any suitable frequency band(s) and comply with any suitable type(s) of wireless communication standards now known or later developed. Figure 1 The network device 100 is shown to include three radios, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the network device 100 may include any suitable number of radios.

[0030] exist Figure 1In the example of , the network device includes a first antenna 150, a second antenna 152, and a third antenna 154. In some examples, each of the first antenna 150, the second antenna 152, and the third antenna 154 can transmit and / or receive a directional signal, an omnidirectional signal, or a combination thereof. In the examples described herein, a "directional" signal refers to a signal that is radiated more strongly in one or more directions than in one or more other directions along an azimuth plane (i.e., a horizontal plane), while an "omnidirectional" signal refers to a signal that is radiated equally in all directions along an azimuth plane. In some examples, each of the first antenna 150, the second antenna 152, and the third antenna 154 may include a phased array antenna. In the examples described herein, a "phased array antenna" refers to an array of antenna elements that can create a directional signal, and the directional signal can be electronically manipulated to point to different directions without moving the antenna elements. In such an example, a phased array antenna may include an array of directional and / or omnidirectional antenna elements, and an array of directional and / or omnidirectional antenna elements can focus (i.e., transmit, receive) RF energy in a specific spatial direction. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first antenna 150, the second antenna 152, and the third antenna 154 may include any suitable type of antenna now known or later developed. Figure 1 The network device 100 is shown to include three antennas, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the network device 100 may include any suitable number of antennas.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In some examples, the network device 100 includes a filter switch bank (FSB) or a switching device 200. In some examples, the switching device 200 can be connected to the first radio 130, the second radio 132, the third radio 134, the first antenna 150, the second antenna 152, and the third antenna 154. In some examples, the switching device 200 can include one or more switches, and the one or more switches are connected to one or more of the first radio 130, the second radio 132, the third radio 134, the first antenna 150, the second antenna 152, and the third antenna 154. In some examples, the switching device 200 can include one or more filters, and the one or more filters are connected to one or more of the first radio 130, the second radio 132, the third radio 134, the first antenna 150, the second antenna 152, and the third antenna 154.

[0032] exist Figure 1In the example of FIG. 1 , the first radio 130 is connected to the switching device 200 via a first front end module FEM 202. The second radio 132 is connected to the switching device 200 via a second FEM 204. The third radio 134 is connected to the switching device 200 via a duplexer 208 and a third FEM 206. A duplexer 209 is also provided between the third antenna 154 and the switching device 200. In some examples, the RTC8613MU component can be part of the switching device 200; the RTC8613MU component is a single pole three throw (SP3T) RF switch that selects between different filters.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In some examples, instructions 122 may be configured to receive a first signal in one of a 5 GHz band and a 6 GHz band. In some examples, the first signal may be received by a first antenna 150 of the network device 100. Figure 1 In some examples, instructions 122 may be configured to generate a second signal in another of the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands. In some examples, the second signal may be generated by a second radio 132 of network device 100, where second radio 132 operates in another of the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

[0034] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a switching device 200 for selective filtering for continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation according to an example of the present disclosure. With the features of the present disclosure, selective filtering for continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation can be implemented including for 320 MHz channels or operations. The switching device 200 includes a first switch 210, a second switch 212, a third switch 214, a fourth switch 216, a fifth switch 218, a sixth switch 219, a seventh switch 221, and an eighth switch 223. Additionally, the switching device 200 includes a first filter 220, a second filter 222, a third filter 224, a fourth filter 226, a fifth filter 228, a sixth filter 230, a seventh filter 232, a full band path 234, an eighth filter 236, a ninth filter 238, a tenth filter 240, an eleventh filter 242, and a twelfth filter 244. In some examples, a first filter switch bank (FSB) may include filters and switches in series with first radio 130, a second FSB may include filters and switches in series with second radio 132, and a third FSB may include filters and switches in series with third radio 134. Other example configurations may be readily envisioned.

[0035] exist Figure 2In the example of, the first switch 210, the third switch 214, the fourth switch 216, the fifth switch 218, the seventh switch 221 and the eighth switch 223 may include a single-pole three-throw (SP3T) switch. The second switch 212 and the sixth switch 219 may include a single-pole four-throw (SP4T) switch. Depending on the architecture, other single-pole multi-throw switches are also suitable. Those skilled in the art will understand that the switches 210-223 may include any suitable (multiple) types of switches now known or later developed. Similarly, in Figure 2 In the example of, each of the filters 220-244 may include a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) filter, a dielectric cavity resonator (DR) filter, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter, a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter, other filters or combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the filters 220-244 may include any suitable (multiple) types of filters now known or later developed.

[0036] exist Figure 2 In some examples, the switching device 200 can be connected to the network device. In some examples, the switching device 200 can be connected to switches and filters of the network device 100. In some examples, the first switch 210 can be connected to the first radio 130 of the network device 100 via a first front end module (FEM) 202. The second switch 212 can be connected to the second radio 132 of the network device 100 via a second FEM 204. The third switch 214 and the fourth switch 216 can be connected to the third radio 134 of the network device 100 via a duplexer 208 and a third FEM 206.

[0037] The fifth switch 218 may be connected to the first antenna 150 of the network device 100, and the sixth switch 219 may be connected to the second antenna 152 of the network device 100. The seventh switch 221 and the eighth switch 223 may be connected to the third antenna 154 via the duplexer 209.

[0038] The first, second and third filters 220, 222, 224 are connected to the first and fifth switches 210, 218. The fourth to seventh filters 226, 228, 230, 232 are connected to the second and sixth switches 212, 219. The full-band through path 234 is connected to the third and seventh switches 214, 221. The eighth and ninth filters 236, 238 are connected to the third and seventh switches 214, 221. The tenth to twelfth filters 240, 242, 244 are connected to the fourth and eighth switches 216, 223.

[0039] In an example of the present disclosure, the first radio 130 is a 6-7 GHz radio, the second radio 132 is a 5-7 GHz radio, and the third radio 134 is a 2-7 GHz radio. The first FEM 202 is a 6 GHZ, 11be FEM. The second FEM 204 is a 5 GHz 11be FEM, and the third FEM 206 is a 2-5 GHz dual band FEM that operates as a 2-5 GHz 11be "capable" FEM.

[0040] The first, second and third FEMs 202, 204, 206 may communicate with a central processing unit (CPU) or processing resource 110 via a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bus. PCIe, as known in the art, is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. As an example implementation, a PCIe 3.0 bus may connect the first and second radio devices 130, 132, while a PCIe 2.0 bus may connect the third radio device 134; of course, the present invention is not limited to this example, and any suitable bus may operate with the system architecture disclosed herein.

[0041] The first radio device 130 can generate a signal included in the 6 GHz frequency band (e.g., U-NII-5, U-NII-6, U-NII-7 or U-NII-8 sub-band). The first antenna 150 can send or receive a signal in the 6 GHz frequency band. The first switch 210 or the fifth switch 218 can select or enable any one of the first, second or third filters 220, 222, 224 applied to the signal in the 6 GHz frequency band. The first filter 220 allows the high band signal of 6 GHz to pass (6G HB), the second filter 222 allows the wideband signal of 6 GHz to pass (6GWB), and the third filter 224 allows the narrowband signal of 6 GHz to pass (6G NB). The 6G HB signal can be allocated in the U-NII-7 or U-NII-8 sub-band, for example. 6G NB is the lower 320 MHz of UNII-5 and 6GWB and the higher 160 MHz of UNII-5, UNII-6 / 7 / 8 sub-bands.

[0042] The second radio device 132 is a 5-7GHz radio (e.g., 5150 to 7125MHz) and can generate signals included in the 5GHz band or the low 6GHz band. The low 6GHz band is a U-NII-5 sub-band. The second radio device 132 can complete all 5GHz bands and UNII-5 from the 6GHz band. The second antenna 152 is a 5-7GHz antenna and can therefore send or receive signals in the 5-7GHz band. The second switch 212 or the fourth switch 219 can select or enable any one of the fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh filters 226, 228, 230, 232 to be applied to signals in the 5GHz or low 6GHz band. The fourth filter 226 allows 6GHz low-band signals to pass (6G LB), the fifth filter 228 allows 5GHz low-band signals to pass (5G LB), the sixth filter 230 allows 5GHz broadband signals to pass (5G WB) and the seventh filter 232 allows 5GHz narrowband signals to pass (5G NB). 6G LB signals may be allocated to the U-NII-5 sub-band, for example. 5G LB signals may be allocated to the U-NII-1 sub-band or the U-NII-2A (5.250-5.350) sub-band, for example. 5G WB is UNII-1 / 2A / 2C, and 5G NNB is UNII-3 / 4.

[0043] The third radio device 134 is a 2-7 GHz radio and can generate a signal including a signal in a 2 GHz band, a 5 GHz band or a 6 GHz band. The third antenna 154 is a 2-7 GHz antenna and can therefore send or receive a signal in a 2-7 GHz band. The third switch 214 can select or enable any one of the full-band path 234 or the eighth or ninth filter 236, 238 applied to the signal in the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band. The full-band direct path 234 allows the 6 GHz full-band signal to pass (6G FB), the eighth filter 236 allows the 5 GHz high-band signal to pass (5G HB), and the ninth filter 238 allows the 5 GHz low-band signal to pass (5G LB). The 5G HB signal can be, for example, allocated to U-NII-2C (5.470-5.725), 3 or 4 sub-bands. The tenth filter 240 (allowing channels 1, 6 in 2.4 GHz), the eleventh filter 242 (allowing channel 11 in 2.4 GHz) and the twelfth filter 244 (allowing all 2.4 GHz channels) enable 2 GHz applications. As described below, the third FEM 206 is a 2-5 GHz dual band FEM operating as a 2-5 GHz 11be "capable" FEM.

[0044] Network device operation

[0045] As mentioned above, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example AP Wi-Fi RF front end or network device 100 architecture provides three radios: a first radio 130 (6-7 GHz), a second radio 132 (5-7 GHz), and a third radio 134 (2-7 GHz). The first radio 130 is connected to a first FEM 202 (6 GHz / 11be), which is connected to a filter switch bank including a first switch 210 and a fifth switch 218, each of which has three switches to one of a first filter 220 (6 GHz HB), a second filter 222 (6 GHz WB), and a third filter 224 (6 GHz NB).

[0046] The second radio 132 is connected to the second FEM 204 (5GHz / 11be). A notable feature of the second radio 132 is the addition of a 6GHz LB filter (fourth filter 226), which can be switched from the second switch 212 (four-branch FSB), even though the 5GHz / 11be FEM (second FEM 204) is not specifically designed to support 6GHz. However, when switched by the second switch 212 of this design, the second FEM 204 can Figure 2 In the example of , this is used for low 6GHz applications, potentially sacrificing some performance in doing so. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the manner in which the filters are divided between the radios using the configuration / architecture of the switches / filter branches as shown can allow some radios to operate in a unique manner over a wider frequency band than the designed operating frequency band. Although a dedicated 5 GHz FEM (second FEM 204) is used, the second radio 132 can reasonably operate in the first 500 MHz of the U-NII-5 6 GHz band. Therefore, the second radio 132 is connected to one of the 6 GHz LB, 5 GHz LB, 5 GHz WB, and 5 GHz NB by means of a FSB having four switches (second switch 212).

[0047] There are currently dual-band FEMs available that span the entire range of 5GHz and 6GHz; however, one tradeoff is that they are lower in power to cover such a wide operating band and are currently only available in 802.11ax, a generation older technology. Matching and biasing the power amplifier (PA) to cover such a wide range can be difficult to achieve at higher powers and is not a priority for FEM manufacturers. With the tighter requirements for 802.11be error vector magnitude (EVM) and the need for higher power for APs or network devices, combined with the typical tri-band APs that do not require such a level of configurability, it is unlikely that FEM manufacturers will be able to build any such high-power wideband 802.11be FEMs any time soon.

[0048] Therefore, as a further comment on the second radio device 132, Figure 2 One notable application of the example structure is to use an existing 5 GHz FEM (second FEM 204) and push it into 6 GHz operation only when the split 6 GHz mode is used (with the help of the fourth filter 226). Characterizing the 5 GHz FEM (second FEM 204) as 6 GHz may result in some performance loss in 6 GHz, but often the higher end of 6 GHz is difficult to match for wideband FEMs, where the performance loss in 6 GHz LB is limited (and significantly less) for 5 GHz optimized FEMs. This is a tradeoff because split 6 GHz applications will be more commonly used in high density applications, where the reduction in power will lend itself to operating the second radio 132 a few decibels (dB) lower than would be acceptable for a standalone 6 GHz radio. Therefore, the 6 GHz LB filter (fourth filter 226) is strategically located on the second radio 132 and can complement the 5 GHz radio well.

[0049] As an example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network device 100 and the switching device 200 can operate in a split 6 GHz mode, where the first radio 130 is a 6 GHz HB and the second radio 132 is a 6 GHz LB. The network device 100 and the switching device 200 can also operate in a ULL mode, which is a specific case of the split 6 GHz model, where the first radio 130 is a 6 GHz HB (on a 320 MHz channel) and the second radio 132 is a 6 GHz LB (on a 320 MHz channel). The network device 100 and the switching device 200 can also operate in a split 5 GHz mode, where the second radio 132 is a 5 GHz LB and the third radio 134 is a 5 GHz HB.

[0050] Similarly, the split 5GHz option is shared between the second radio 132 and the third radio 134, where a 2G / 5G dual-band FEM (third FEM 206) is used on the third radio 134. Additionally, the low noise amplifier (LNA) in such a FEM (receive RX operation) is inherently wideband and is not subject to the same limitations as the power amplifier (transmit TX operation). Therefore, the configuration shown on the third radio 134 with dual 2G / 5G FEM can also be used for 6GHz RX, thereby for the purpose of scanning radio. The SFB (switch filter bank) on the third radio 134 with six branches (i.e., the third and fourth switches 214, 216) uniquely combines 2GHz sub-band filtering for advanced IoT coexistence (AIC) for IOT coexistence, full 5GHz operation and 6GHz RX with a single dual-band FEM (third FEM 206). The current 802.11ax generation of such dual-band FEMs can even meet the 802.11be requirements of EVM. For example, the AIC requires tenth and eleventh filters 240 , 242 with fourth and eighth switches 216 , 223 .

[0051] A notable feature of the third radio device 134 according to the example of the present disclosure is that it is connected to a 2-5GHz dual-band FEM (third FEM 206) that acts as a 2-5GHz / 11be "capable" FEM. This enables the 5GHz to operate in split mode, which is another feature of the design. There are two SFBs in series with the third radio device 134 (i.e., the third switch 214 and the fourth switch 216), each SFB having three branches. The third switch 214 switches to one of the 6GHz FB, 5GHz HB, and 5GHz LB; the fourth switch 216 switches to 2G applications. The third FEM 206 is designed for the previous generation (Wi-Fi-6 / 6E), but is applied to WiFi-7 in this example because there is currently no Wi-Fi-7 dual-band FEM. Therefore, Figure 2 The example uses only one dual-band FEM as "capable". Figure 2 An example of is dedicated to a 5 GHz receive path to receive in a new 6 GHz band (6 GHz FB) by separating 5 GHz operation and 6 GHz operation. Figure 2 The example may also use the 6 GHz FB as a 6 GHz scanning radio (using the 5 GHz low noise amplifier of the third FEM 206) without sacrificing much performance (if any).

[0052] All of these structures can together provide classic tri-band operation with full channel combination selection, or a dedicated scanning radio covering all three bands with a level of protection against interference from the serving radio, in addition to split 5 GHz or split 6 GHz operation (including ULL mode). 2 GHz applications can also be provided. Due to the features of the present disclosure, the architecture can make it possible to implement all of these functions with a moderately small increase in cost and with a minimization of the FEM, thereby extending the existing performance limits of the FEM in a unique way that such performance loss does not limit the intended application.

[0053] Figure 3 is an example computing component 300 according to an example of the present disclosure, which can be used to implement various features of continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation through selective filtering, such as operations such as Figure 2 The network device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a configuration of a band architecture. The network device 100 may be an AP. Figure 3 With the features of , selective filtering for continuous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation can be implemented to include 320 MHz channels or operation. In addition, split-band operation, ultra-low latency (ULL) mode and / or smart spectrum scanning can also be implemented.

[0054] Computing component 300 may be, for example, a server computer, a controller, or any other similar computing component capable of processing data. Computing component 300 may reside on network device 100, or may be a server computer, a controller, or other similar computing component external to network device 100 but in communication with network device 100. Figure 3 In an example implementation of , computing component 300 includes a hardware processor 302 and a machine-readable storage medium 304 .

[0055] Hardware processor 302 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 304. Hardware processor 302 may fetch, decode, and execute instructions, such as instructions 306-314, to control the implementation of Figure 3 As an alternative or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the hardware processor 302 may include one or more electronic circuits including electronic components for performing the functions of one or more instructions, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuits.

[0056] A machine-readable storage medium, such as machine-readable storage medium 304, may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, machine-readable storage medium 304 may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disk, etc. In some embodiments, machine-readable storage medium 304 may be a non-transitory storage medium, where the term "non-transitory" does not encompass transient propagating signals. As described in detail below, machine-readable storage medium 304 may be encoded with executable instructions (e.g., instructions 306-314).

[0057] The hardware processor 302 may execute instructions 306 to operate a 6 GHz / 11be FEM in 6 GHz mode to communicate with the first radio. The 6 GHz / 11be FEM may be, for example, Figure 2 The first radio device may be, for example, a first FEM 202. Figure 2 The first radio device 130. Operating in the 6 GHz mode includes using a 6 GHz high passband filter, a 6 GHz wide passband filter, or a 6 GHz narrow passband filter.

[0058] The hardware processor 302 may execute instructions 308 to operate a 5 GHz / 11be FEM in communication with a second radio in a first split 5G / 6G mode. The 5 GHz / 11be FEM may be, for example, Figure 2 The second FEM 204. The second radio device may be, for example, Figure 2 The second radio device 132 of FIG. 5 GHz mode includes using a first 5 GHz low passband filter, a 5 GHz wide passband filter, or a 5 GHz narrow passband filter. The operation in the 6 GHz mode includes using the 6 GHz low passband filter for low 6 GHz applications. In one example, the low 6 GHz application is an application up to 500 MHz.

[0059] The hardware processor 302 may execute instructions 310 to operate a 2-5 GHz dual band FEM in communication with a third radio to execute a 2-5 GHz / 802.11be FEM such that the 2-5 GHz dual band FEM operates in a second split 5G / 6G mode. The 2-5G dual band FEM may be, for example, Figure 2 The third FEM 206. The third radio device may be, for example, Figure 2The third radio 134 of FIG. 134. Operating in 5 GHz mode includes using a 5 GHz high band pass filter or a second 5 GHz low band pass filter, and operating in 6 GHz mode includes configuring a dedicated 5 GHz receive path from the third radio to the 2-5 GHz dual band FEM to receive using a 6 GHz full band path.

[0060] Hardware processor 302 may execute instructions 312 to configure the 2-5 GHz dual band FEM to switch to a 2 GHz application.

[0061] Hardware processor 302 may execute instructions 314 to use the 6 GHz full band path connected to the third radio as a 6G scanning radio.

[0062] Figure 4 It is shown that the example provided according to the present disclosure can be used Figure 2 The switching device 200 is used to operate an AP or a network device (such as Figure 1 The network device 100 or Figure 3 A table of examples of patterns of computing components 300). Figure 4 The table in shows six example operating modes numbered 1 to 6. The table also shows how the first, second, and third radio devices 130, 132, 134 can be configured to implement various operating modes. For example, to implement the UTB (tri-band) mode, the first radio device 130 operates at 6 GHz FB, the second radio device 132 operates at 5 GHz FB, and the third radio device 134 operates at 2 GHz FB. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited by or to the examples disclosed in the table.

[0063] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example computer system 500 is depicted in which various embodiments described herein may be implemented. Computer system 500 includes a bus 502 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, one or more hardware processors 504 coupled to bus 502 for processing information. Hardware processor(s) 504 may be, for example, one or more general purpose microprocessors.

[0064] The computer system 500 also includes a main memory 506, such as a random access memory (RAM), cache, and / or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 502 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 504. The main memory 506 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 504. Such instructions, when stored in a storage medium accessible to the processor 504, render the computer system 500 into a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0065] Computer system 500 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 508 or other static storage device coupled to bus 502 for storing static information and instructions for processor 504. A storage device 510, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (flash drive), is provided and coupled to bus 502 for storing information and instructions.

[0066] Computer system 500 may be coupled to a display 512, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touch screen), via bus 502 for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 514, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 502 for communicating information and command selections to processor 504. Another type of user input device is a cursor control device 516, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 504 and for controlling cursor movement on display 512. In some embodiments, the same direction information and command selections as a cursor control device may be implemented via receiving touches on a touch screen without a cursor.

[0067] The computing system 500 may include a user interface module for implementing a GUI, which may be stored in a mass storage device as executable software code executed by the computing device(s). For example, this module and other modules may include components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuit devices, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0068] In general, the terms "component", "engine", "system", "database", "data repository", etc., as used herein, may refer to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, which may have entry points and exit points, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, C, or C++. Software components may be compiled and linked into an executable program installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted programming language such as, for example, BASIC, Perl, or Python. It should be understood that software components may be called from other components or from themselves, and / or may be called in response to detected events or interrupts. Software components configured for execution on a computing device may be provided on a computer-readable medium, such as an optical disc, a digital video disc, a flash drive, a disk, or any other tangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be initially stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression, or decryption prior to execution). Such software code may be stored in part or in whole on a memory device of an executing computing device for execution by the computing device. Software instructions may be embedded in firmware such as an EPROM. It should also be understood that hardware components may include connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and / or may include programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

[0069] Computer system 500 may implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic that, in combination with the custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic, enables computer system 500 to be a special purpose machine or programs computer system 500 to be a special purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 500 in response to processor(s) 504 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 506. Such instructions may be read into main memory 506 from another storage medium such as storage device 510. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 506 causes processor(s) 504 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0070] As used herein, the term "non-transitory media" and similar terms refer to any medium that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a particular manner. Such non-transitory media may include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 510. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 506. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid-state drives, magnetic tapes or any other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROMs, any other optical data storage media, any physical media with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROMs and EPROMs, FLASH-EPROMs, NVRAMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, and networked versions thereof.

[0071] Non-transitory media are distinct from transmission media, but can be used in conjunction with transmission media. Transmission media participate in the transmission of information between non-transitory media. For example, transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fiber, including the wires that comprise bus 502. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0072] Computer system 500 also includes a communication interface 518 coupled to bus 502. Communication interface 518 provides bidirectional data communication coupled to one or more network links connected to one or more local networks. For example, communication interface 518 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem for providing a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 518 can be a local area network (LAN) card for providing a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or a WAN component communicating with a WAN). Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 518 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals carrying digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0073] A network link typically provides data communication to other data devices via one or more networks. For example, a network link may provide a connection to a host computer or to data devices operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) via a local network. The ISP, in turn, provides data communication services via a global packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet." Both the local network and the Internet use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and on the network link and through the communication interface 518 are example forms of transmission media that carry digital data to and from the computer system 500.

[0074] Computer system 500 can send messages and receive data, including program code, via network(s), network links, and communications interface 518. In the Internet example, a server can send code requested by an application via the Internet, an ISP, a local network, and communications interface 518.

[0075] The received code may be executed by processor 504 as it is received, and / or stored in storage device 510 or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0076] Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the foregoing sections may be embodied in a code component executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors including computer hardware, and may be fully or partially automated by it. One or more computer systems or computer processors may also be operable to support the execution of related operations in a "cloud computing" environment or as "software as a service" (SAAS). The processes and algorithms may be implemented in part or in whole in a dedicated circuit device. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of each other, or may be combined in various ways. Different combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and certain methods or processing blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states associated therewith may be executed in other appropriate orders, or may be executed in parallel or in some other manner. Frames or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The execution of certain operations or processes may be distributed between computer systems or computer processors, not only residing in a single machine, but deployed across multiple machines.

[0077] As used herein, circuits can be implemented using any form of hardware, software or a combination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASIC, PLA, PAL, CPLD, FPGA, logic components, software routines or other mechanisms can be implemented to form circuits. In implementations, various circuits described herein can be implemented as discrete circuits, or the functions and features described can be shared in part or in whole between one or more circuits. Even if various features or functional elements can be described or declared as separate circuits separately, these features and functions can be shared between one or more common circuits and such descriptions should not require or imply that separate circuits are needed to implement such features or functions. In the case of using software to implement the circuit in whole or in part, such software can be implemented as utilizing a computing or processing system (such as computer system 500) that can perform the functions described therein to operate.

[0078] As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. In addition, descriptions of resources, operations, or structures in the singular should not be understood to exclude the plural. Unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, conditional language such as "can, could, might, or may" is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or steps.

[0079] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and phrases used in this document and variations thereof should be interpreted as open ended and not restrictive. Adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known," and terms of similar meaning should not be interpreted as limiting the items described to items available for a given time period or at a given time, but should be understood to cover conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies available or known at any time now or in the future. In some cases, the presence of broad words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to," or other similar phrases should not be understood to mean that a narrower case is intended or required where such broad phrases may not be present.

Claims

1. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to operate a network device, the instructions causing the processor to: In the 6G mode or the first split 5G / 6G mode, operating a 6G front end module in communication with the first radio device; operating a 5G front end module in communication with a second radio device in 5G mode, the first split 5G / 6G mode, or the second split 5G / 6G mode; and The 2-5G dual band front end module in communication with the third radio device is operated to perform as a 2-5G / 802.11be front end module so that the 2-5G dual band front end module is operated in 2G mode, the second split 5G / 6G mode, or scanning radio mode.

2. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 1, the instructions further causing the processor to configure the 2-5G dual-band front-end module to switch to the 2G mode.

3. A system, include: a first radio in communication with a 6G front end module connected to a first filter switch bank configured to enable a 6G high bandpass filter, a 6G wide bandpass filter, or a 6G narrow bandpass filter; a second radio in communication with a 5G front end module connected to a second filter switch bank configured to enable a 6G low bandpass filter, a first 5G low bandpass filter, a 5G wide bandpass filter, or a 5G narrow bandpass filter; and A third radio device in communication with a 2-5G dual band front end module connected to a third filter switch bank configured to enable a 6G full band path, a 5G high band pass filter, or a second 5G low band pass filter.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the 2-5G dual front-end module is further connected to a fourth filter switch bank configured to enable 2G applications.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the 6G front-end module and the 5G front-end module both comply with the IEEE802.11be standard.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the 6G narrow bandpass filter has a range up to 320 MHz for low 6G applications.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the 6G low bandpass filter has a range up to 500 MHz for low 6G applications.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein the 2-5g dual band front end module is configured to use the 6G full band path as a 6G scanning radio.

9. The system of claim 3, wherein the 6G front-end module is configured to be operated in a 6G mode using the 6G high bandpass filter, the 6G wide bandpass filter, or the 6G narrow bandpass filter.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein the 5G front-end module is configured to be operated in a first split 5G / 6G mode, such that operation in the 5G mode uses the first 5G low bandpass filter, the 5G wide bandpass filter, or the 5G narrow bandpass filter, and operation in the 6G mode uses the 6G low bandpass filter for low 6G applications.

11. The system of claim 3 , wherein operating the 2-5G dual band front end module is configured to perform as a 2-5G 802.11be front end module such that the 2-5G dual band front end module is operated in a second split 5G / 6G mode, wherein operating in the 5G mode uses the 5G high pass filter or the second 5G low pass filter, and operating in the 6G mode uses a dedicated 5G receive path from the third radio device to the 2-5G dual band front end module to receive using the 6G full band path.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein The 5G front-end module is configured to operate in a first split 5G / 6G mode so that the 6G low bandpass filter is used for low 6G applications; and The 2-5G dual-band front-end module is adapted to perform as a 2-5GHz 802.11be front-end module, such that the 2-5G dual-band front-end module is configured to operate in a second split 5G / 6G mode, wherein a dedicated 5G receive path from the third radio device to the 2-5G dual-band front-end module is configured to receive using the 6G full-band path.

13. The system of claim 3, wherein the system is an access point.

14. A method of operating a network device, include: operating a 6G front end module in communication with the first radio device in a 6G mode using a 6G high bandpass filter, a 6G wide bandpass filter, or a 6G narrow bandpass filter; operating a 5G front end module in communication with a second radio in a first split 5G / 6G mode, such that operating in the 5G mode includes using a first 5G low bandpass filter, a 5G wide bandpass filter, or a 5G narrow bandpass filter, and operating in the 6G mode includes using a 6G low bandpass filter for low 6G applications; and Operating a 2-5G dual-band front-end module in communication with a third radio device to perform as a 2-5G 802.11be front-end module such that the 2-5G dual-band front-end module is operated in a second split 5G / 6G mode, wherein operating in the 5G mode includes using a 5G high bandpass filter or a second 5G low bandpass filter, and operating in the 6G mode includes configuring a dedicated 5G receive path from the third radio device to the 2-5G dual-band front-end module to receive using a 6G full bandpass filter.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising configuring the 2-5G dual-band front-end module to switch to a 2G application.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the narrow 6G application is an application up to 320 MHz.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the low 6G application is an application up to 500 MHz.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising using the 6G full band path connected to the third radio as a 6G scanning radio.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the 5G front-end module and the 6G front-end module both comply with the IEEE802.11be standard.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the network device is an access point.

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