An Overview of the Next Generation IEEE 802.11 Wireless Intelligent Networking (WIN) Standardization Activity

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Title:         An Overview of the Next Generation IEEE 802.11 Wireless Intelligent Networking (WIN) Standardization Activity

Speaker: Paul Nikolich, IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee Chairman Emeritus

 

Date:        October 21, 2026

Time:        2 pm (UTC+2:00)

Venue:     Online

 

Abstract

The IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN Working Group (WLAN WG) has been working on developing and improving the features in wireless LAN technology standards for operation in licensed exempt bands since 1990. It has been doing so by incrementally amending the base standard originally published in 1997. 

The 802.11 WLAN WG will soon be completing its latest major amendment, IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability, also known as Wi-Fi 8, with key features of ultra-high reliability to improve stability through better interference management, multi-AP coordination, smoother roaming, and more consistent coverage, lower latency and better efficiency: Targets reduced latency, higher throughput at range, improved peer-to-peer communication, and lower access-point power consumption.

Since the 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability amendment is approaching completion, the IEEE 802.11 WLAN WG recently formed a Study Group to prepare the high-level requirements of the next major revision which has been dubbed “Wireless Intelligent Networking (WIN)” (also to be known as Wi-Fi 9 upon completion).  There will be over 400 worldwide wireless technology experts working on the draft WIN specification over the next four years.

This talk will give a summary of the current features and functions under discussion by the WIN Study Group based on the September 2026 interim session.  I hope to be able to give the participants a view into the future of wireless LANs for the 2030 timeframe.

The talk will also give a brief overview of how the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN Working Group fits within the larger IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee and IEEE organization and encourage participants to join the activity, all are welcome!


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Paul of Nikolich Advisors LLC & IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee

Biography:

Mr. Nikolich is a technology and business leader. A successful engineer, entrepreneur, founder, angel investor and board member of companies developing emerging technologies, technical standards, intellectual property, investing in early-stage ventures, he is focused on the data communications and broadband industries.

He is Chairman Emeritus of the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (LMSC). From 2001 to 2024 he served as Chairman of the LMSC, overseeing technical standards development for wired (e.g., Ethernet), wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi), and bridged networks. He is a 2005 IEEE Fellow for leadership in enabling ubiquitous broadband internet access and associated standards and recipient of the 2025 IEEE Steinmetz Award for leadership in the development and advancement of global IEEE 802 network standards. He has served on the IEEE Computer Society Standards Activities Board, IEEE Standards Association Board of Governors and Standards Board, as Chairman of the IEEE Technical Activities Committee on Standards, IEEE Board of Directors Fellows Evaluation and Finance Committees. 

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Address:Essex Fells, New Jersey, United States