WAA introduces scenario-based WLAN performance certification standards
The World WLAN Application Association (WAA) has recently introduced scenario-based WLAN performance certification standards, marking a significant advancement in enhancing the quality of WLAN user experiences across various applications, including industrial, medical, and home environments. This initiative underscores the WAA's commitment to elevating the standards within the WLAN industry, ensuring that products meet rigorous performance and compliance requirements globally.
A crucial element of this development is the formal partnership between the WAA and renowned test and certification organisations to validate compliance with these new standards. TÜV Rheinland, an esteemed global player in testing and certification services, has been designated as an authorised laboratory partner. This collaboration seeks to bolster the efficacy of the WAA’s testing and certification programme, providing a robust framework for standardisation and performance evaluation in the WLAN sector.
Zsolt Pesze, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland in Hungary, outlined that the company operates in over 56 countries and has established partnerships with regional and national standards bodies. "With advanced technology and equipment and a global network of laboratories, the company can provide customers with efficient and reliable certification services and help products quickly enter the global market," he stated, alluding to the comprehensive testing services offered by TÜV Rheinland, which encompass WiFi connections not only in domestic settings but also extend into industrial, medical, and public networks.
The scope of TÜV Rheinland's services includes performance assessments, security evaluations, and compatibility testing for WLAN devices. Pesze highlighted the importance of measuring key performance indicators such as network speed, stability, and coverage, which are critical in identifying and resolving connectivity issues. “The performance evaluation process helps to identify and resolve network problems and any bottlenecks, to ensure seamless connectivity for users,” he said.
The WAA has specifically tailored its certification process to address the dynamic evolution of WLAN performance standards. According to Pesze, the certification process incorporates not only the technical characteristics of networks but also the user experience, which can significantly be affected by these metrics. “We developed our testing services so that certified products can deliver a stable and efficient network platform in a real-life environment, as defined in the WAA standards,” he explained.
Robustness is emphasised as a critical factor, especially in industrial applications, while other attributes like coverage and seamless handover between network types are highlighted for domestic applications. This nuanced approach ensures that the meaning of reliability adapts to the varied demands of different environments and uses, whether for online streaming or in industrial operations.
In pursuing a unified approach to WLAN certification, the WAA aims for global harmonisation, with TÜV Rheinland playing a pivotal role in facilitating access to key markets such as the EU and the US. “If a manufacturer from China would like to enter the EU market or the US, then we can enhance our policies with the right focus and direction for access to these markets,” said Pesze, illustrating the importance of tailored certification processes that align with regional requirements.
The initiative has already begun yielding results, with the WAA having issued seven certificates over the past year and defining nineteen standards aimed at improving user experience. By certifying WLAN products, the WAA assists consumers in identifying reliable solutions within a vast and variable market, while also stimulating innovation among manufacturers.
With TÜV Rheinland's international expertise and resources, the rollout of WAA certification is expected to expedite across global markets, particularly in emerging economies. This partnership not only bolsters the credibility and acceptance of WAA standards but also encourages advancements in WLAN technology, ultimately enhancing user experiences within the industry.