Beamforming Wi-Fi 6 Patent Landscape & Essentiality Analysis

Beamforming in Wi-Fi 6 and 5G networks shares the core concept of focusing a wireless signal towards a specific device or user to improve data rates, coverage, and overall connection quality. Both 5G and Wi-Fi 6 use phased array antennas to electronically control signal direction, achieving targeted coverage in crowded areas.

There are significant differences between the beamforming used in Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, particularly in terms of frequency bands, beamforming types, precision, and more. The first major difference lies in the frequency band of operation. Wi-Fi 6 primarily operates in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and newly added 6 GHz bands (for Wi-Fi 6E). These frequencies are relatively lower and are better suited for shorter-range communication within indoor environments. In contrast, 5G spans a much broader frequency range, including low-band (sub-1 GHz), mid-band (1 GHz to 6 GHz), and high-band frequencies (millimeter-wave) above 24 GHz. The high-frequency bands in 5G, especially millimeter waves, present unique challenges, requiring advanced beamforming techniques to maintain strong and reliable connections over long distances​.

This report contains information on the patent landscape relating to beamforming. To identify beamforming-related patents, searches were conducted across multiple patent databases, including commercial databases and Espacenet, utilizing a range of search strings, IPC/CPC classifications, and beamforming-specific keywords.

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, represents the sixth generation of Wi-Fi standards, offering significant improvements over the predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Released in 2019, Wi-Fi 6 is designed to operate in high-density environments and also improve performance and efficiency. Wi-Fi 6 introduces advanced technologies such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), 1024-QAM modulation, Target Wake Time (TWT), and improved Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) support. These enhancements enable Wi-Fi 6 to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections, particularly in environments with many connected devices. The adoption of Wi-Fi 6 has fueled growth in applications requiring high throughput and responsiveness, such as streaming, gaming, and smart home networks, as well as supporting emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and IoT. The IEEE published the standard for Wi-Fi 6, officially known as IEEE 802.11ax, in February 2021.

Beamforming is a technique used in Wi-Fi networks to focus wireless signals directly toward connected devices rather than broadcasting signals in all directions. This focused signal improves both the strength and efficiency of the connection, reducing interference and delivering a faster, more reliable Wi-Fi experience. Beamforming is particularly helpful in dense environments where multiple devices compete for bandwidth, as it allows the router to direct its signal more precisely, enhancing coverage and reducing wasted energy.

The future of beamforming, and the patents connected to the technology, are largely correlated to the evolution of the Wi-Fi service. Beamforming efficacy has improved during the Wi-Fi 6 generation, and there is an interdependent relationship insofar as Wi-Fi 6 has increased the number of MU-MIMO users, and this was also made possible by the use of beamforming. One of the main drivers for the overall growth in the Wi-Fi market has been the rising adoption of the Internet of Things. As this market continues to expand across the globe and the Wi-Fi standard evolves toward Wi-Fi 7 it can be expected that beamforming will also evolve, most likely toward a coordinated beamforming technology, and that the patent landscape will reflect this evolution.

To identify the patents specifically related to Wi-Fi 6, an in-depth review of each patent from the initial set of patent families was undertaken. By examining the claims, abstracts, and descriptions in detail, patents relevant to Wi-Fi 6 were accurately identified. This thorough approach narrowed the selection to fewer unique families highlighting key advancements and innovations that directly align with the Wi-Fi 6 standard.

The patent filing trend for Wi-Fi 6 beamforming technology demonstrates a noticeable rise in activity, with a peak in 2016 when the highest number of filings occurred. This surge reflects heightened interest and innovation in beamforming technology. The consistent number of filings in the years 2016 -2020 shows the significance of beamforming in Wi-Fi 6 advancements over the years.

The distribution of essential patents by companies were analyzed in which LG Corp holds the highest number of essential patents.