ADAPTIVE CHANNEL SWITCHING ALGORITHM FOR MULTI-CHANNEL WI-FI 7 DEVICES IN HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS

DOI: 10.31673/2786-8362.2025.011691

Abstract

Wi-Fi 7 Standard, aimed at enhancing throughput and reducing latency, faces
compatibility challenges in heterogeneous networks where devices of different generations (Wi-Fi 4/5/6)
operate simultaneously. Existing channel-switching algorithms are limited to one-dimensional parameter
analysis, ignoring load dynamics, the impact of legacy devices, and the need for real-time adaptation. This
results in inefficient spectrum utilization, increased latency, and diminished benefits of Multi-Link
Operation (MLO) technology. The Adaptive Channel Switching Algorithm (ACSA) proposes an innovative
approach based on multi-criteria analysis of channel states: load, interference levels, and transmission
success rates. Unlike traditional methods, ACSA dynamically adapts to network changes, accounts for the
influence of legacy devices, and operates in a decentralized manner. This enables efficient traffic balancing,
minimizes collisions, and optimizes the use of Wi-Fi 7’s wideband channels.
Keywords: Wi-Fi 7, MLO, channel change, ACSA, Q-Learning, DFS

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