Multi-Link Operation (MLO): The key to Wi-Fi 7 performance
What is Multi-Link Operation (MLO)?
![](jpg/enhanced-mlo-reliabilit1yd857.jpg)
Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is a major technical advancement. It’s the reason why the new standard can achieve and maintain 1ms latency, even for the most data-demanding, real-time applications. It is critical for keeping up with real-time and latency-sensitive applications such as:
- Video Collaboration
- Cloud Gaming
- Wireless VR Headsets
- 4K/8K Streaming
- Emerging Metaverse Applications
![](png/mlo_100ms10e9.png)
MLO is accepted on Wi-Fi 7 “Multi-Link Devices” (MLD). These devices allow concurrent connections and data in multiple channels across a single or multiple frequency bands, aggregating their bandwidth for greater performance. MLO also enhances reliability as efficient link switching provides more opportunities for interference mitigation.
![](png/by-performing-load-balancing-according-to-traffic3e3c.png)
By performing load balancing according to traffic requirements, MLO helps heavily loaded networks achieve:
- Significantly higher throughput
- Lower Latency
- Enhanced reliability
![](png/new-mlo-modes-prevent-common76ef.png)
MLO also helps prevent common transmission challenges in congested wireless environments:
- In-device coexistence (IDC) interference
- Network congestion
- Running out of spatial streams
Introduction: Types of MLO modes
- Multi-Link Multi-Radio (MLMR) modes: Links are statically assigned and cannot switch to other frequencies dynamically.
- Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STR) mode: For when there is sufficient isolation that links can operate independently without loss from IDC interference.
- Non-STR (NSTR) mode: Coordinates synchronous transmission across the band links.
- Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (MLSR) modes: Links can switch to other frequencies dynamically.
- Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (MLSR) modes: Defined to dynamically switch all multi-link capable radios and antennas to a single link.
Choose the right MLO mode for your network needs
![](jpg/mlo_throughput_chartc0c5.jpg)
Recommended for fastest throughput performance: eMLSR
A clear winner, especially in heavy traffic environments
![](jpg/mlo-latency73be.jpg)
Recommended for lowest latency: STR
However, eMLSR still offers competitive performance
However, some MLO designs are better than others…
Only MediaTek’s innovative Filogic Wi-Fi 7 product platforms are built with single-chip MLO, which ensures the fastest possible and most power efficient link aggregation.
Prepare for the future with MediaTek Filogic
![](png/mediatek-chipsf5fb.png)
If you are planning to take advantage of Wi-Fi 7 connectivity innovations, you can count on MediaTek Filogic to provide fast, efficient and always-on connections.