What is Wi-Fi 7?

The evolution of Wi-Fi networks can move fast and be challenging to keep up with. Maybe it feels like just yesterday that the last generation emerged and you had to learn what Wi-Fi 6E is. However, the rapid progression is part of a bigger effort to create more robust wireless networking. Wi-Fi 7 is the seventh generation of Wi-Fi technology and the successor to Wi-Fi 6e, designed to better meet the demands of the future wireless landscape.

Like its predecessors, Wi-Fi 7 operates on the same basic principles of using radio waves to transmit data wirelessly between devices, but offers higher standards right out of the gate. From the Wi-Fi 7 release date onward, users have been able to enjoy significant improvements in terms of network speed, capacity and overall performance.

Of course, purchasing compatible Wi-Fi 7 devices, like a Wi-Fi 7 router, is necessary to implement the network. Here’s why it’s totally worth it to make the upgrade:

• Blazing fast speeds. One of the most notable features of Wi-Fi 7 is its remarkable speed. It is expected to achieve maximum data rates of up to 30 Gbps (gigabits per second), a substantial increase from the maximum 9.6 Gbps of Wi-Fi 6. This massive boost in speed will enable faster downloads, smoother streaming and improved real-time experiences for users.
• Enhanced spectral efficiency. Wi-Fi 7 utilizes more advanced modulation techniques and increases spectral efficiency, meaning it can transmit more data over the same radio spectrum compared to previous generations. This improvement ensures better utilization of available bandwidth and reduces congestion, resulting in a more reliable and stable connection.
• Increased capacity. With the growing number of connected devices in our homes, workplaces and public spaces, Wi-Fi 7 addresses the challenge of handling high device density. It can support a large number of concurrent connections, making it ideal for smart homes, crowded public venues and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
• Improved MIMO technology. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology has been a key driver of Wi-Fi's performance improvements. Wi-Fi 7 will further enhance MIMO capabilities by supporting up to sixteen streams, enabling more data to be transmitted simultaneously and dramatically boosting overall network capacity. And if you already know about mesh Wi-Fi or want to learn what mesh Wi-Fi is, then you’ll find Wi-Fi 7 mesh takes that option to a new level.
• Backward compatibility. To ensure a seamless transition for users, Wi-Fi 7 will be backward compatible with previous generations. Devices equipped with Wi-Fi 7 will be able to communicate with older Wi-Fi-enabled devices, though at lower speeds based on the older standards.
• Better security. Wi-Fi 7 will come with improved security protocols, offering enhanced protection against potential threats and vulnerabilities. This is crucial in an era where data privacy and security are of the utmost importance.

While the previous generation of Wi-Fi networking, Wi-Fi 6E, performs incredibly well, there’s always room for improvement. Wi-Fi 7 delivers on this, superseding its predecessor. When you consider the future of connectivity and emerging technologies, it makes sense that wireless networking would need to evolve with these they advance.

Some of the top applications that might benefit from Wi-Fi 7 speed and capacity include:

• Home and hybrid office environments. More people are working from home than ever before, or keeping hybrid schedules. The average home Wi-Fi connection may be great for everyday use, but add multiple people working from home, kids doing school online and anyone trying to play games or stream movies, and your network can easily slow down to the point of losing productivity. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 7 can improve connectivity at an office that may be slow or lag on certain floors or specific areas of the building.
• Gaming. PC gaming and video games have some of the sharpest graphics and most complex platforms ever, yet many wireless networks can’t hold up to them, requiring plugging into an ethernet jack in order to avoid lagging and freezing. Wi-Fi 7 hopes to combat many of the gaming issues that even Wi-Fi 6E was unable to fully resolve.
• Smart technology and IoT. Connected smart homes and offices have become a staple of modern life, and with so many connected devices at play it’s important to make sure they can all function properly—especially considering that many are security devices that shouldn’t fail due to poor connectivity. With the speed, bandwidth and efficiency offered by Wi-Fi 7, it’s easier to avoid overloading the network with multiple devices.
• Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). VR and AR applications require low latency and high data rates to deliver an immersive experience. Wi-Fi 7's performance improvements could enhance the quality and responsiveness of VR/AR applications as they progress in their capabilities.
• Ultra-High Definition Streaming. Wi-Fi 7's speeds and increased throughput can potentially support seamless streaming of 4K, 8K and future higher-resolution video content on compatible devices.