Machine Learning and Wi-Fi: Unveiling the Path Toward AI/ML-Native IEEE 802.11 Networks

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are nowadays mature technologies considered essential for driving the evolution of future communications systems. Simultaneously, Wi-Fi technology has constantly evolved over the past three decades and incorporated new features generation after generation, thus gaining in complexity. As such, researchers have observed that AI/ML functionalities may be required to address the upcoming Wi-Fi challenges that will be otherwise difficult to solve with traditional approaches. This article discusses the role of AI/ML in current and future Wi-Fi networks, and depicts the ways forward. A roadmap toward AI/ML-native Wi-Fi, key challenges, standardization efforts, and major enablers are also discussed. An exemplary use case is provided to showcase the potential of AI/ML in Wi-Fi at different adoption stages.