Feature Proposal for RaspAP: Support for 802.11ax and 802.11be

[idaband]

Is your feature request related to a problem?

No

Describe the solution you'd like

I would like to propose a feature enhancement for the RaspAP project on GitHub: adding support for the latest Wi-Fi standards, specifically IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7). As wireless technology continues to advance, integrating these standards into RaspAP would significantly improve its performance, compatibility, and future-proofing.
Motivation

Describe alternatives you've considered

none at the moment.

Additional context

Feature Proposal for RaspAP: Support for 802.11ax and 802.11be
Enhancing Wireless Capabilities for Next-Generation Wi-Fi Standards

• Increased Performance: 802.11ax and 802.11be offer higher throughput, better spectrum efficiency, and improved performance in dense environments compared to previous standards.
• Wider Adoption: Many modern devices now support Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7 is on the horizon. Supporting these standards would make RaspAP compatible with the latest hardware and user needs.
• Future-Proofing: By integrating support for these technologies, RaspAP can remain a relevant and powerful tool as wireless networks evolve.
Feature Details
The proposed feature would include:

1. Detection and configuration support for 802.11ax and 802.11be compatible wireless adapters, including those connected via the Pi's PCI Express interface, such as Intel chip adapters. This ensures that users can leverage high-performance adapters regardless of their connection method.
2. UI enhancements to allow users to select and configure advanced features specific to these standards (e.g., OFDMA, MU-MIMO, wider channel bandwidths).
3. Updated documentation with guidance on compatible hardware, including PCIe-connected adapters, and best practices for deploying Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 networks using RaspAP.
   Potential Challenges
   • Hardware Compatibility: Ensuring that RaspAP works seamlessly with a range of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 adapters, including those connected via PCI Express.
   • Driver Support: Integration may depend on the availability and stability of Linux drivers for these newer Wi-Fi chipsets and PCIe interfaces.
   • Testing and Validation: Comprehensive testing will be needed to confirm reliable performance and identify any issues across various adapter types.
   Conclusion
   Adding 802.11ax and 802.11be support—including compatibility with PCIe-connected Intel adapters—would position RaspAP as a cutting-edge solution for Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi management. I believe this feature would be highly valuable to the community and help ensure the project's continued relevance and growth.
   Thank You
   Thank you for considering this proposal. I am happy to assist with testing or documentation if this feature is accepted for development.