What is Wi-Fi 7? Everything Your Organisation Needs to Know

Wi-Fi 7, the next generation of Wi-Fi technology is expected to hit the market in 2024 and is set to transform wireless connectivity and networking for individuals and businesses alike.

With peak internet speeds projected to be four times faster than its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6, plus five times network capacity, less interference from other connected devices and improved efficiency and stability, Wi-Fi 7 is set to make a significant impact on consumers and businesses alike.

For organisations such as warehouses, offices, retailers, large public events or anyone working in a crowded environment, this will potentially bring benefits to efficiency, productivity and extending your ROI.

In this article we’ll be breaking down what Wi-Fi 7 is, how it compares to Wi-Fi 6 and why you should keep this evolution in technology in mind when planning your wireless network connection in 2024 and beyond.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Put simply, Wi-Fi 7 is the next stage of evolution for modern wireless technology.

Also known as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT), it will feature the latest developments in wireless innovation to increase the capacity, stability and efficiency of your network for better overall connectivity.

Wi-Fi 7 will offer faster connection speeds, better bandwidth, support for WPA4 security and various other features that enable you and your workforce to get connected and stay connected with speed and confidence.

Although Wi-Fi 7 will be fully compatible with your existing devices, you will likely need to upgrade to new routers, APs (access points), laptops, handheld scanners and smartphones to take full advantage when it hits the market in 2024.

That’s why, if you want to accelerate the success of your organisation, we highly recommend that you explore the advantages of Wi-Fi 7 and start planning for its introduction next year.

What are the features of Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 offers a variety of features that could transform your wireless connectivity while boosting efficiency and productivity and improving overall user experience.

So, what are these features? And in what ways does Wi-Fi 7 offer you and your business more agency than previous versions? Let’s find out:

1. Significantly faster speeds

When you adopt Wi-Fi 7, you can leverage was promises to be vastly improved Wi-Fi speeds than those experienced in previous versions, including the current Wi-Fi 6e iteration.

By combining improved data density with greater channel width and simultaneous use of bands and channels, it can deliver maximum speeds of up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6 and six times faster than Wi-Fi 5.

In practical terms for your business, this means you’ll be able to carry out any tasks more quickly and efficiently, transfer data across wireless networks at greater speeds and enjoy a more stable connection for Teams and Zoom calls.

2. Better bandwidth

Because Wi-Fi 7 offers double the bandwidth of Wi-Fi 6 (an increase from 160 MHz to 320 MHz), more data can pass through from the internet provider to your devices and vice versa. This means a faster connection that can also handle the increased pressure of supporting multiple data-hungry devices at the same time.

It will achieve this thanks to the way it spreads the signal across the frequency bands and widens the individual channels themselves. This optimises your business wireless performance regardless of how many devices are connected or how close an individual worker is to an AP.

3. Stronger Wi-Fi connections (even when the band is busy)

Wi-Fi 7 also features a new development called Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which enables your organisation to optimise your Wi-Fi connection based on what bandwidth is available.

This enables your devices to send and receive data at the same time across different frequency bands and channels. This reduces latency and delivers more bandwidth for activities such as cloud computing and video conferencing, and is ideal for periods of increased activity where greater pressure will be exerted on your networks.

Excitingly, it also allows for a more efficient use of your available bandwidth, using any channels that are in use but not saturated to keep your devices connected.

4. More data at a higher speed

With Wi-Fi 7, you can squeeze in more data at a higher speed by using a process called QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation). QAM is a form of digital modulation that translates packets of digital data into analog signals then uses varied phases of radio waves to send larger amounts of data.

More specifically, Wi-Fi 7 will be using a modulation development known as 4K-QAM which supports a massive 20% data rate improvement over that currently leveraged in Wi-Fi 6. It’s these sorts of quality of life changes that will be felt across your networks.

5. Better connection for multiple devices

The introduction of Wi-Fi 6 in 2020 brought several new features, many of which have been enhanced rather than replaced for the next evolution of Wi-Fi. One of these features is MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple Output), which will leverage double the spatial streams (an increase from 8 to 16) and potentially offer twice the transmission rate capabilities of its predecessor.

As a result, your router can communicate more effectively with these multiple devices, target individual devices where necessary and improve overall efficiency.

Could Wi-Fi 7 help improve your business wireless network connectivity?

If you run a business, you’ll know how essential a reliable internet connection is when it comes to your productivity, efficiency and overall business performance.

And that means you want to know exactly where this new Wi-Fi update will impact your business critical processes. The improved rate of data
transmission and reduced latency will enhance the capabilities of your IoT (Internet of Things) devices so your warehouse, office and outlets are still leveraging the data from your smart devices.

Improved data transmission ensures your cloud-based processes are working faster and can support greater capacity, making the ideal for businesses looking to scale their operations, while reduced latency ensures workers across your sites remain connected with fewer dropouts and blackouts.

That’s why your organisation will need a technology partner who can plan for all these changes and ensure your network is fully prepared for its rollout in 2024.

Summary

Wi-Fi 7 looks to revolutionise our Wi-Fi network connections and provide a faster, more reliable service that supports the complex digital needs of your workforce and your customers.

Although Wi-Fi 7 isn’t available just yet, it’s important you prepare your network so you’re leveraging these new features when it finally arrives. With our years of experience supporting customers across multiple industry verticals, and the in-depth knowledge and trusted accreditation of our wireless experts, Renovotec is ready to help your organisation adopt this cutting-edge digital technology.

Want to update or troubleshoot the performance of your Wi-Fi networking but don’t want to wait until 2024?

Contact us today and ask about our wireless surveys.