Coexistence
The increased number of connected devices makes wireless networks dense and congested. This made standards bodies develop methodologies and collision avoidance techniques to improve device operation performance among other signals. Collisions and data loss occur in a mixed-signal deployment, where radio formats do not detect other signals.
Coexistence testing is important but lacks cohesive compliance or a certification administration. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission regulates radio frequency wireless device emissions, and the Food and Drug Administration regulates medical device safety. It is up to manufacturers to take responsibility and conduct the appropriate coexistence testing.
IEEE has guidance in American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) Evaluation of Wireless Coexistence standard C63.27 to provide key coexistence testing considerations. With ANSI guidance, manufacturers can assess the potential risk and the device's ability to successfully maintain its functional wireless performance among unintended signals.
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