The Wi-Fi Alliance has finally given its stamp of approval for Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be. This means that we can expect to experience incredibly fast internet speeds of almost 5.8 Gigabits per second (Gbps) in our homes and offices soon. However, it’s important to note that Wi-Fi 7’s claim of reaching 5.8 Gbps is met with some skepticism. Real-world speeds may be closer to 4Gbps, which is still significantly faster than current Wi-Fi standards.
Wi-Fi 7 introduces several new features that enable its high speeds. These include increased channel bandwidth, 4K Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), Multi-Link Operation (MLO), improved latency, MU-MIMO Enhancement, and Multi Resource Units (RU). These features allow for faster and more stable connections, making Wi-Fi 7 ideal for high-performance applications such as 8K movies, augmented reality/virtual reality gaming, and large file downloads.
The new standard also offers enhanced performance for smart home devices, making it perfect for households with multiple devices streaming high-definition content simultaneously. In business environments, Wi-Fi 7 can support more devices with minimal interference, making it suitable for large offices and coworking spaces.
However, it is important to note that Wi-Fi 7’s capabilities depend on having the right equipment. Devices and routers that support the new standard are necessary to take full advantage of its features. Additionally, while the 6 GHz wireless spectrum used by Wi-Fi 7 offers fast data transfers at close range, it may struggle with long-distance connections and physical obstructions.
Despite its impressive capabilities, Wi-Fi 7 routers are currently quite expensive. As a result, many consumers may want to wait until more devices support the standard and prices come down. Nonetheless, for those who require cutting-edge speeds and performance, Wi-Fi 7 is a significant leap forward in wireless technology.
