XiFi

XiFi is a proposed wireless communication protocol envisioned to succeed current Wi‑Fi standards by delivering higher capacity and lower latency across mixed environments. It combines sub‑GHz connectivity for robust, long-range links with very high‑frequency (60 GHz) channels for short‑range, high‑throughput transmission, and it relies on advanced multi‑user MIMO, beamforming, and dynamic spectrum access to manage interference and crowded spectra.

Developed by XiTech Systems, XiFi was introduced in 2023 and demonstrated in 2024 in closed trials. A consortium called the XiFi Alliance coordinates research and aims for formal standardization through existing bodies. Wide deployment remains contingent on regulatory approval and industry adoption.

Technical design includes an OFDM-based physical layer, programmable PHY adaptations, and a MAC layer supporting scheduled access with a dense mesh capability. It employs adaptive modulation up to 4096‑QAM in favorable conditions, distributed channel access, and security features such as hardware-accelerated encryption and PQC-ready key exchange. Energy efficiency focuses on sleep modes and on-die power management.

Performance and uses: XiFi targets homes, offices, industrial IoT, and AR/VR workloads, with theoretical peak speeds near 100 Gbps on short 60 GHz links and sub‑millisecond latency in controlled networks. Real-world throughput varies by distance, obstruction, and spectrum sharing. Interoperability with legacy Wi‑Fi can be achieved via gateways and backward-compatible frames.

Reception and challenges: Analysts note potential benefits for dense environments but caution about fragmentation of the wireless ecosystem, device cost, and regulatory hurdles. Critics emphasize the need for clear migration paths and energy considerations.