What is OFDMA on a router? Uses and benefits?

Wi-Fi 6 is currently the latest generation of wifi networks, improving the speed better than wireless network connections on electronic devices such as phones, tablets, … before. And OFDMA remarkable technology that Wi-Fi is possessing. So what is OFDMA, how does OFDMA work? Let’s find out below!

What is OFDMA?

OFDMA stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access. OFDMA has the ability to subdivide the data transmission channel into smaller frequencies called “subcarriers”.

A Wi-Fi 6 router that uses OFDMA sends multiple signals during the same data transmission session. This makes from a router’s network connection, users can transmit data to many devices in parallel.

On the OFDMA link, the router can use different groups of “subcarriers” to send packets to different clients, and the delay can be managed. This method of communication provides flexibility, increasing the speed and efficiency of the network.

Difference between OFDM and OFDMA

OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) – Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. OFDM has the ability to divide a high-speed signal into many slow signals to be stronger at the receiver so that the sub-channels can then transmit data without having to bear great pressure on the transmission line.

Although both are broadband digital communication technologies, they are not exactly the same . Following are the basic differences between OFDM and OFDMA:

• OFDMA only supports base TDMA or FDMA or both at the same time, while OFDM only supports multiple users via TDMA .
• OFDMA supports simultaneous low-speed data transmission for multiple users , while OFDM can only support one user at a time.
• OFDMA can be configured to discard weak channels , while OFDM cannot.
• OFDMA supports the power for each channel or subcarrier, while OFDM must maintain the same power for all subcarriers.

Advantages of routers with OFDMA

Let’s take a look at the benefits that routers with OFDMA features bring to users below:

• Low cost but higher performance.
• Transmission with lower latency.
• Improve overall quality of service and efficient use of bandwidth in dense environments.
• The number of access devices is more.
• Reduce device battery usage after data transfer.

Hopefully the above article will help you know more about OFDMA as well as the benefits that this feature brings. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below for support!