Stable even when applied to 10G Internet backhaul solutions

KT announced that it has completed the development of a next-generation Wi-Fi commercial AP (Access Point) with a speed of 5 gigabits per second, which is approximately three times faster than the existing Giga Wi-Fi, and will be the first in the world to launch commercial service.

The next-generation Wi-Fi AP developed by KT utilizes 802.11ax, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard, and features 8x8 MIMO technology, doubling spectral efficiency compared to existing APs. Furthermore, the 10G internet backhaul solution enables stable Wi-Fi service even in high-volume traffic environments.

KT is building next-generation Wi-Fi at KT Square in Gwanghwamun and KT Avenue in Gangnam, and will begin commercial service for general customers on the 27th.

The maximum speed of the next-generation Wi-Fi is 4.8 Gbps, which is about three times faster than the maximum speed of the existing gigabit Wi-Fi, which is 1.7 Gbps. It has a wireless capacity that is approximately three times faster than existing Wi-Fi, so it can provide high-quality, stable service even when more customers are connected at the same time than existing Wi-Fi.

Last June, KT signed a business agreement with Qualcomm for technology development exclusively in Korea, and successfully implemented key 802.11ax functions through the development of next-generation APs and various linkage tests conducted with Qualcomm at KT's Umyeon-dong Research Center over the past six months.

In addition, KT has applied OFDMA and MU-MIMO (see below), which are core technologies of next-generation Wi-Fi, to improve the level of development so that it can provide high-quality services even in areas with high traffic density and areas with high interference between Wi-Fi, where service provision was limited with existing Wi-Fi.

KT plans to install next-generation Wi-Fi access points (APs) at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics stadiums and provide services to visitors worldwide, allowing them to experience the excellence of South Korea's telecommunications infrastructure. Going forward, KT plans to expand its next-generation Wi-Fi infrastructure nationwide to enable even more customers to experience these new services.

KT Infrastructure Research Center Director Jeon Hong-beom said, “As the largest Wi-Fi service provider in Korea, KT will continue to research and develop next-generation Wi-Fi technology to provide differentiated customer services based on the best speed and stable quality.”