Wi-Fi 6 for 4K image transmission
Technology Insight
Wi-Fi 6 - A Major Step in 4K High Bitrate Image Transmission Evolution
The demand for high-resolution image capture and transmission has skyrocketed in recent years. From professional photography and videography, to medical imaging and industrial automation, the ability to capture and share stunning visuals is essential. This is where Wi-Fi 6, the wireless communication standard, steps in as a game changer.
As our partner Ambarella continues to expand its AI system-on-a-chip (SoC) capabilities, the market for devices with reliable wireless transmission of 4-8K (and higher) resolution images will only grow. As a camera design house, Rhonda Software understands how the need to transmit large amounts of video data at high speeds in complex video systems requires better performance, higher data speed, significantly increased spectrum efficiency, and stronger connection reliability. Wi-Fi 6 has become the go-to standard equipped to handle the ever-increasing demand for faster multi-user data rates, allowing to efficiently handle a large number of devices operating simultaneously in one network. The Wi-Fi 6 standard has opened up exciting possibilities across industries, transforming how we capture, share, and use high-quality visuals.
Our team of experienced engineers is ready to provide custom camera solutions with on-board Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Camera Design services offered by Rhonda Software often include Wi-Fi capabilities. Our expertise with Wi-Fi 6 advances our customers’ technology, which products need for higher bandwidth and more efficient wireless connections. Choosing a Wi-Fi 6-compatible camera ensures you are prepared for future demands, and can continue to enjoy seamless operation and high-quality video streaming.
Why is Wi-Fi 6 better than Wi-Fi 5 for your camera?
Higher Speed. Wi-Fi 6 enables a 25% data rate increase (throughput) in access points and devices compared to Wi-Fi 5. Theoretically, the 9.6 Gbps maximum data rate in Wi-Fi 6 can handle large bitrates of 8K images without delays or quality compromises. Our experience with Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) in real projects on the latest Ambarella chips showed a stable transfer rate of 180-200 Mbps from device to device, which is enough for high-quality live broadcast of 4K images.
Better Performance with OFDMA, MU-MIMO and BSS Color. Multi-User Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) and (new to Wi-Fi, adapted from LTE) Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology allows simultaneously broadcasting data to several clients at an average speed and use the same channel instead of waiting in Wi-Fi 5, which significantly optimizes efficiency and reduces latency. This is crucial for real-time applications like live video streaming from 4K and 8K high-resolution cameras. Video systems can operate more efficiently, providing a stable connection even in busy network conditions.
The BSS Color Technology is also a novelty in Wi-Fi 6. This feature allows devices to transmit data with a unique Color Code BSS in an 802.11ax frame, and if the IDs match, they can exchange data over the air at the same time, without waiting. That minimizes potential conflicts and enables more cameras to work with a single network without compromising speeds for continuous monitoring and transmission of video, without delays or loss of quality. This is essential for systems with numerous high-resolution cameras, such as surveillance networks or industrial automation.
Better Power Consumption. Introduced in the 6th generation of Wi-Fi, Target Wake Time (TWT) Technology allows power consumption optimization by configuring sleep and wake schedules for devices. Cameras can remain inactive until it is their turn to communicate on the network. This saves batteries power, preserves their lifetime, increases standby autonomy, and reduces network congestion in high-performance portable camera systems, which transfer lots of data on the network.
Benefits of Wi-Fi 6 for 4K and 8K high-resolution imaging applications
Consumer Cameras and Camera Systems: Wi-Fi 6 ensures reliable and uninterrupted data transmission from VR, action, and sport cameras, AI powered robotics cameramen allowing for real-time monitoring and recording of high-quality footage.
Healthcare: Medical and Biological specialists can transmit ultra detailed images from medical scanners, microscopes, endoscopes, etc. with high speed, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments.
Retail, Warehousing: Workers simultaneously connect their tablets and mobile scanners via a single wireless network to a central server, while smart cameras stream images to the same network. Communication with autonomous mobile robots with computer vision may also be required. Wi-Fi 6 is an excellent and reliable solution with traffic segmentation, that helps to avoid network conflicts, and POS traffic gets priority over Wi-Fi for customers. Wi-Fi 6’s low power consumption also prolongs the life of battery-powered barcode scanning cameras.
Professional Photography and Videography: Wi-Fi 6 empowers photographers and videographers to transfer ultra-high-resolution image files directly to their computers or cloud storage at high speed and with no quality loss.
Outdoor work
Particularly noteworthy is the improvement in the ability to use Wi-Fi 6 for outdoor cameras. OFDMA, MU-MIMO and BSS Color provide more effective use of bandwidth and reduce interference to a more stable and reliable connection for outdoor cameras, which can be subject to various sources of interference, including other wireless networks and weather conditions. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to be more energy-efficient, extending the battery life of outdoor cameras and reducing the need for frequent charging or battery replacement.
If you are looking for a camera solution that will not become obsolete in the near future, we recommend you consider the Wi-Fi 6 standard, and Wi-Fi 7 solutions are expected soon. Wi-Fi 6 is a must-have feature for modern video cameras designed to transmit high resolutions.
We would be happy to help you make the best choice of Wi-Fi generation for your next camera innovation. Contact us to explore how our expertise can turn your wireless camera concept into reality!