What Is Wi-Fi 7? Pioneering the Future of Connectivity for Consumers and Enterprises

This past January, the Wi-Fi Alliance officially launched Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7, the latest generation of Wi-Fi that offers breakneck speeds, reduced latency, and innovative features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enabling devices to send and receive data simultaneously across multiple links. While this new generation of Wi-Fi is exciting, there are questions about whether it will see broader adoption in the enterprise or remain primarily an upgrade for consumers.

The reality is that Wi-Fi 7 will be crucial for both sectors and will become increasingly common as more Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices enter the market. However, certain features will be more significant for enterprise use, while others will better serve consumer needs. Ultimately, this new generation marks the next phase in the 6 GHz connectivity era that began with Wi-Fi 6E, and connectivity is set to keep improving.

What Is "New" in Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 introduces several advanced features designed to enhance speed, reliability, and overall network efficiency. One of the most notable innovations is Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to connect simultaneously across multiple frequency bands, effectively increasing data throughput and reducing latency. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments with high interference, ensuring smoother and more reliable connections.

Another key upgrade is the support for 320 MHz superwide channels, doubling the channel bandwidth available in previous Wi-Fi generations. This increase in bandwidth allows for multi-gigabit data rates, making Wi-Fi 7 ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like 8K streaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).

Moreover, Wi-Fi 7 incorporates 4K-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), which boosts data transmission efficiency by 20% compared to Wi-Fi 6E's 1024-QAM. This enhancement translates to faster speeds and more robust performance, even in congested network environments.

Building on the foundation of Wi-Fi 6E, the Wi-Fi 7 standard is engineered to address the growing needs of today's connectivity and mobility. For enterprises, this means IT teams can better support a larger number of devices, users, and bandwidth-heavy applications, while also accommodating low-latency requirements. Moreover, Wi-Fi 7 will enhance team productivity, streamline operations, and exceed customer expectations for businesses.

Cutting Through the Market Hype: Understanding Wi-Fi 7 Consumer Features

Wi-Fi 7, the latest and fastest generation of Wi-Fi, lives up to its name as outlined in the IEEE 802.11be draft amendment, which is dubbed "Extremely High Throughput". While marketing highlights theoretical data rates up to 46 Gbps, it's crucial to distinguish between data rates and actual throughput. Due to the half-duplex nature of radio transmissions, throughput performance is typically around 60% of the advertised data rate. However, Wi-Fi 7's 4K QAM modulation, mainly targeted at consumers, makes it possible to achieve these high data rates. Although hitting 46 Gbps outside of a controlled lab environment is unlikely, this technology will still significantly boost performance and speed for users.

Moreover, Wi-Fi 7 introduces ultra-wide 320 MHz channels, offering more frequency space and potentially very high data rates. For instance, a 320 MHz channel in the 6 GHz band can transmit up to 16 times more data than a 20 MHz channel in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. However, this feature comes with a caveat—only one to three 320 MHz channels may be available depending on location and the amount of accessible 6 GHz spectrum, making it less practical for enterprise environments but an exciting prospect for consumers.

Multi-Link Operation: Empowering Enterprises

MLO stands out as the most innovative feature of Wi-Fi 7, offering enhanced throughput, reduced latency, and improved reliability. Imagine utilizing multiple bands and channels simultaneously. For instance, two Wi-Fi 7 access points (APs) could create a mesh network using both 6 GHz and 5 GHz radios simultaneously, resulting in data aggregation that boosts data rates and significantly increases throughput. A Wi-Fi 7 client equipped with MLO could dynamically switch transmission between a 6 GHz and a 5 GHz channel when communicating with a Wi-Fi 7 AP, minimizing latency. This capability ensures that the connection always uses the optimal channel.

The main advantage of MLO's link-steering is a seamless user experience, where users benefit from uninterrupted connectivity and enhanced reliability, especially for latency-sensitive tasks like high-definition video streaming and virtual reality. This feature will create the most notable differences between Wi-Fi generations, particularly in enterprise settings. MLO will provide lower latency and higher throughput, making it a reliable solution for supporting mission-critical and industrial enterprise applications.

The Arrival of the 6GHz Connection Era

Wi-Fi 7 continues the 6 GHz Wi-Fi journey that began with Wi-Fi 6E, marking the beginning of a new era of 6 GHz connectivity and mobility. With the addition of 1,200 MHz of fresh frequency space—doubling what was previously available—Wi-Fi 7 introduces a range of new consumer and enterprise features that promise significant advancements. However, its most crucial contribution is building upon the 6 GHz spectrum, driving ongoing improvements in wireless reliability and speed, and laying the groundwork for future technologies and widespread connectivity.

FS Wi-Fi 7 Access Points: Leading the Charge in 6 GHz Connectivity

As the era of 6 GHz connectivity unfolds with the introduction of Wi-Fi 7, FS is at the forefront of this wireless revolution, offering state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 7 access points (APs) designed to harness the full potential of this advanced technology. FS Wi-Fi 7 APs are engineered to deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and unparalleled reliability, making them an ideal choice for both consumers and enterprises looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With features like support for 320 MHz superwide channels and enhanced security protocols, FS Wi-Fi 7 APs ensure that your network is not only faster but also more secure and future-proof. Whether upgrading your home network or equipping your enterprise with the latest in wireless technology, FS has the solutions to meet your connectivity needs and pave the way for the next generation of digital experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wi-Fi 7 is not just an incremental upgrade—it's a significant advancement in wireless technology that will shape the future of connectivity for both consumers and enterprises. Whether you're looking to enhance your home network or upgrade your business infrastructure, Wi-Fi 7 offers the speed, reliability, and security you need to stay ahead in the digital age.