Machine Learning & Wi-Fi: Unveiling the Path Towards AI/ML-Native IEEE 802.11 Networks
It addresses the increasing complexity of Wi-Fi networks for researchers and industry by exploring AI/ML integration, but it is incremental as it builds on existing trends without presenting new breakthroughs.
This paper discusses the role of AI/ML in addressing upcoming Wi-Fi challenges that are difficult to solve with traditional approaches, proposing a roadmap towards AI/ML-native Wi-Fi networks and providing an exemplary use case to showcase its potential.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are nowadays mature technologies considered essential for driving the evolution of future communications systems. Simultaneously, Wi-Fi technology has constantly evolved over the past three decades and incorporated new features generation after generation, thus gaining in complexity. As such, researchers have observed that AI/ML functionalities may be required to address the upcoming Wi-Fi challenges that will be otherwise difficult to solve with traditional approaches. This paper discusses the role of AI/ML in current and future Wi-Fi networks and depicts the ways forward. A roadmap towards AI/ML-native Wi-Fi, key challenges, standardization efforts, and major enablers are also discussed. An exemplary use case is provided to showcase the potential of AI/ML in Wi-Fi at different adoption stages.