Exploratory Analysis of Wi-Fi 6 Dynamic RU Sharing in Small-Scale Network Scenarios

abstract

This paper investigates dynamic Resource Unit (RU) allocation strategies for Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) networks integrated with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), targeting the limitations of static RU scheduling under dynamic traffic conditions. We propose a dynamic RU allocation algorithm that maps TSN traffic classes to Wi-Fi 6 Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, including Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) and aligns TSN control with Ethernet-based TSN domains. The proposed solution is evaluated using the ns-3 DetNetWiFi framework developed by fortiss, focusing on time-sensitive traffic. Simulation results demonstrate improved network efficiency with reductions in latency, jitter, and packet loss compared to static RU allocation schemes. These findings highlight the potential of dynamic RU allocation to support deterministic communication requirements in Wi-Fi 6-based TSN deployments and to enhance the reliability of hybrid industrial networks.