WEC 20

WEC 20 refers to the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility 20, a proposed standard aiming to improve interoperability and coexistence between Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) operating in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. This standard focuses on mitigating interference and optimizing performance in dense wireless environments.

Specifically, WEC 20 seeks to address challenges such as channel congestion, hidden node problems, and unfair medium access that can arise when multiple WLANs overlap. It proposes mechanisms for devices to dynamically adapt their transmission parameters, such as transmit power and channel selection, based on the observed network conditions.

Key goals of WEC 20 include:

• Improved Coexistence: Enabling multiple WLANs to operate in close proximity without significantly degrading performance for any individual network.
• Fairness: Ensuring equitable access to the wireless medium among different WLANs, preventing any single network from monopolizing resources.
• Increased Capacity: Maximizing the overall throughput and user capacity of the 2.4 GHz band by optimizing channel utilization and reducing interference.
• Backward Compatibility: Maintaining compatibility with existing WLAN standards, allowing WEC 20 compliant devices to seamlessly interact with legacy devices.

The specifications for WEC 20 outline protocols and algorithms for spectrum sensing, channel selection, power control, and coordination among access points. These mechanisms aim to create a more efficient and resilient wireless environment, particularly in densely populated areas with numerous WLANs. While initially a proposal, the concepts behind WEC 20 influence design considerations in later wireless communication protocols focusing on dynamic resource allocation and interference mitigation.