Near-seamless video with HBS Multi-Link

See how Wi-Fi 7 High Band Simultaneous (HBS) Multi-Link enables a better 4K video streaming experience in this side-by-side comparison from Qualcomm. As we rely more often on applications that place extreme demands on quality and low latency, HBS Multi-Link can bring that premium wireless experience.

To demonstrate the value of using high bands for two connections, we set up a test in our lab of a scenario that is common across several applications. 4K video of increasing quality is streamed wirelessly to a phone which casts the video to a TV over Wi-Fi and to a soundbar using Bluetooth.

On the left side you see Dual Band Simultaneous (DBS), with 5GHz connected from the phone to TV and 2.4GHz used for the access point (AP) to phone and phone to soundbar.

On the right side, you see High Band Simultaneous (HBS), with 5GHz from the phone to TV, 6GHz from the AP to the phone, which frees up 2.4GHz just for Bluetooth.

The throughput required for a 4K video stream will vary depending on the rate of change of the content and the quality of encoding. There are limited issues when streaming lower throughput content, such as this video that requires around 20 Mbps.

As we shift to content that peaks around 50 Mbps, we see significant stutter and a stall.

As quality increases, the throughput averages 100 Mbps, and we see significant stalls in the video.

This problem also impacts the audio. As we listen to both sides in turn, it is clear that there is insufficient airtime in 2.4GHz to deliver consistent audio and video.

We are increasingly relying on high-quality audio and video: for work in video conferencing and real-time collaboration, in play such as gaming or streaming. This demonstration uses core capabilities that are required in other common applications.

In the smart office, imagine you’re about to present and want to double-check your presentation at the first available cube. Without having to take out your laptop, you can seamlessly connect to a dock and quickly get started working, streaming video over Wi-Fi to the display, while still connected to the AP and using Bluetooth peripherals on the desk.
Cloud gaming on a TV with a Bluetooth headset to chat with fellow gamers also uses the same configuration of technology with extreme demands on quality and low latency.

HBS enables applications that require a high-quality connection to another device while maintaining a high-speed AP connection. The number of devices that can take advantage of this will continue to grow as new product uses emerge and demands for ever more real content and imperceptible latency continue.