Machine learning and Wi-Fi: unveiling the path toward AI/ML-Native IEEE 802.11 networks

Abstract

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 article discusses the role of AI/ML in current and future Wi-Fi networks, and depicts the ways forward. A roadmap toward 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.

This paper is supported by the CHIST-ERA Wireless AI 2022 call MLDR project (ANR-23-CHR4-0005), partially funded by AEI and NCN under projects PCI2023-145958-2 and 2023/05/Y/ST7/00004, respectively. B. Bellalta's contribution is supported by Wi-XR PID2021-123995NB-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER,UE) and MdM CEX2021-001195-M/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.