Notes on Sparklan WNFQ-268AXI (WiFi6E) module testing

Purpose:

It lists Sparklan WNFQ-268AXI(WiFi6E) module test notes for customer reference, 

Target Audience:

For Advantech TSE, RBU AE, outsourcing service engineer(s) and End customer with the following knowledges  :

• Wireless troubleshooting experience

Content:

1. Sparklan WNFQ-268AXI driver (ath11k_pci) default is included in Linux Kernel ,and  ath11k_pci driver version is related to the Kernel version.

 (Sparklan WNFQ-268AXI: https://www.sparklan.com/product/wnfq-268axibt-wifi6-wifi6e-11ax-triband-combo-m-2-dbdc-industrial-module-sparklan/  ) 

2.Vendor notes user needs to install Linux Kernel 5.17 (or above) for initial WiFi 2.4G, 5G and 6G (5.925GHz~7.125GHz) of WNFQ-268AXI, when user install older Linux kernel (ex: 5.15) , the early ath11k_pci driver only initial WiFi 2.4G,5G, and doesn't inital 6G (5.925GHz~7.125GHz) band.

OS (kernel version)	Ubuntu 22.04 (Kernel 5.15-058)	Ubuntu 22.04 (Kernel 6.3.1)
ath11k_pci version	# ethtool -i wlan0 driver: ath11k_pci version: 5.15-058	# ethtool -i wlan0 driver: ath11k_pci version: 6.3.1
Support WiFi bandwidth	System only detects Wifi6E AP 2.4G, 5G	System can detects Wifi6E AP 2.4G, 5G,6G
WiFi AP ESSID detecting

3. Please check the table as below, When user needs to test Sparklan WNFQ-268AXI (WiFi6E) module's 6G (5.925GHz~7.125GHz) band. please choose WiFi 6E AP, and please don't use WiFi 6 AP for test.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_6 

Generation	IEEE standard	Adopted	Maximum link rate (Mbit/s)	Radio frequency (GHz)
Wi-Fi 6E	802.1ax	2020	574 to 9608	6
Wi-Fi 6		2019		2.4/5