1. Wi-Fi Alliance
1.1. Presentation
The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit organization that promotes and certifies wireless networking technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Its mission is to enhance and promote the interoperability, security, and reliability of Wi-Fi products and services.
Wi-Fi Alliance is responsible for developing and maintaining Wi-Fi standards, conducting certification programs, and promoting the adoption of Wi-Fi technology worldwide.
1.2. Eligibility to Certification
Only Wi-Fi Alliance Members can certify their products. There are multiple Level of membership.
Source: https://www.wi-fi.org/membership How to apply : https://www.wi-fi.org/membership-application
1.3. Why certify my product?
It is not mandatory to certify your product but WFA certification ensures that your product meets industry standards for performance, security and reliability, which means that it will provide a consistent and stable wireless connection.
1.4. Wi-Fi Certification Programs
The Wi-Fi Alliance offers several certification programs to ensure that Wi-Fi products meet industry standards for performance, reliability, and security. Here are some of the most common certification programs:
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 4,5,6: This certification programs ensure that Wi-Fi products meet the Wi-Fi4 standards for high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity.
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA2, WPA3,PMF: This certification programs ensure that Wi-Fi products meet industry standards for improved security and privacy.
To have a complete view of all Certification programs , please refer to WFA Certification Programs
1.5. Certification Paths
Wi-Fi Alliance has developed 3 different paths to certify a product. It depends on the maturity of the device; if it has already been certified.
1.5.1. Flex Tack
FlexTrack path is designed for : - New products built from the ground-up. - Products that have been modified ( any modification related to Chipset, RF Architecture, Driver or Firmware ) - Products that have never been certified.
It allows more flexibility in WI-Fi customization. Flex Track complete full certification program with full test environment. Test will be completed at an Authorized Test Laboratory (ATL). Flex Track Cost, per product $5,000 license fee + ATL testing fees
1.5.2. QuickTrack
Quicktrack is designed for products based on an already certified solution.
Some targeted changes are allowed on the Wi-Fi solution: - Operating System - Antenna - RF component - Physical Interface
Testing can be done at an ATL lab or Memnber testing site.
Certify a new product using the QuickTrack certification path costs, per product $7,500 program license fee + ATL testing fees, if applicable.
1.5.3. Derivative path
Derivative path is designed for products that are excatly the same as the original. No changes are allowed on the Wi-Fi.
There is no need to perfom additional testig.
Certify a derivative product (based on your own company's Wi-Fi CERTIFIED product) costs $600 certification fee per derivative product.
1.5.4. Recertification
The aim of recertification is to to verify that a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED product with changes maintains Wi-Fi interoperability.
All changes to Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products, including additions or removal of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED functionality or programs, shall be processed through the Wi-Fi Alliance certification system.
There are two types of recertifications:
1. Tested recertification: Products that have changes which impact Wi-Fi operation shall be tested at an Test Laboratory .
2. Non-Tested recertification: Product changes that do not affect Wi-Fi operation do not require testing to have their certification record updated. Members shall provide sufficient evidence to allow Wi-Fi Alliance staff to confirm the product’s non-tested Wi-Fi CERTIFIED programs have not been impacted by any of the changes. Find below the list of eligible changes and the type of recertification they are allowed to perform.
Proceed to recertification: https://www.cert.wi-fi.org/
1.6. Certification process
Certification process contains multiple steps:
Step 1:define your product.
Wi-Fi Alliance define a device as a component combination of:
- Wireless Chipset
- Wi-Fi Component Operating System
- Wi-Fi Component Firmware Version
- Physical Interface
- Driver
- RF Architecture
- RF Components
- Antenna
Step 2: Determine which certification path you are eligible for
- Flex Track ( For a new Product )
- QuickTrack/Variant ( for a product based on an already certified product or a variant of an already certified product
- Derivative ( based on an already certified product)
Step 3: start process on wi-fi Alliance website connect to: https://www.cert.wi-fi.org/#/application/new
Wi-FI ALliance provide documents to help you start certification process: