At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Broadband Forum announced the release of a WiFi performance test standard, Technical Report 398 Indoor WiFi Performance Test Standard (TR-398).
TR-398 is intended to systematically and quantitatively evaluate home WiFi device performance across six dimensions: receiver sensitivity, throughput, coverage, multi-user support, anti-interference, and stability. The standard defines key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the WiFi equivalent bandwidth (throughput), rate at different distances, and throughput for multiple online users. TR-398 also describes the purpose, test scope, conditions, test cases, and standard thresholds for indoor home gateway WiFi performance testing.
Broadband Forum CEO Robin Mersh said WiFi is the key infrastructure for broadband Internet access in the connected home and for a high-quality UltraHD video experience.
"WiFi performance of single gateways must meet service requirements and comply with standards to accelerate industry development," said Mersh. "The goal of TR-398 is to define carrier-class home WiFi performance. We are delighted that a critical mass of key industry players has participated in crafting this standard and are excited for the role that this standard will play in enabling a superior broadband experience in the connected home of the future."