What Is WiFi 7 And What Are Its Features?
WiFi 7 has arrived, offering faster connections, reduced latency, and better handling of multiple devices—an impressive evolution from WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E.
For those aiming to enhance their WiFi experience, WiFi 7 presents a compelling option. While early WiFi 7 routers were costly, more budget-friendly models are now available.
The latest devices, like Apple’Apple’se 16 lineup, also support this advanced technology. Before investing in an upgrade, it’s worth exploring tips on choosing the right router and checking out top picks for the best WiFi routers and mesh systems.
What is WiFi 7?
WiFi 7 has officially arrived, building on the advancements of WiFi 6 and 6E. It introduces faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved multiple connection management efficiency.
If you can boost your WiFi experience, WiFi 7 might be the upgrade you need. While early WiFi 7 routers were pricey, more affordable options are emerging, and the latest devices, including Apple’s iPhoApple’series, already support this technology. Before upgrading, it’s wise to know how to choose the right router and consider top-rated WiFi routers or mesh systems.
WiFi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, follows the legacy naming conventions, where WiFi 6 is IEEE 802.11ax and WiFi 5 is IEEE 802.11ac. Its backward compatibility ensures it works with older devices, but to fully enjoy its features, new routers, smartphones, laptops, and more may be necessary.
Benefits of WiFi 7
- Increased speed and capacity for managing more devices.
- Enhanced performance with low latency for high-quality video streaming and cloud gaming.
- Optimized support for AR and VR applications that demand high throughput and minimal delays.
- Superior handling of congestion and interference, benefiting areas with dense device use or overlapping networks—especially relevant for enterprises and large venues.
This next-gen WiFi standard paves the way for seamless connectivity in personal and professional spaces.
How Does WiFi 7 Compare to WiFi 6E?
WiFi 7 introduces notable improvements over WiFi 6E, even though both utilize the same 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz frequency bands. One key distinction lies in the channel width.
Wider Channels:
Frequency bands are divided into channels, determining how much data can flow.
- The 2.4-GHz band comprises 11 channels, each 20 megahertz (MHz) wide.
- The 5-GHz band offers 45 channels that can combine into larger widths of 40 or 80 MHz.
- The 6-GHz band, introduced in WiFi 6E, includes 60 channels up to 160 MHz.
WiFi 7 takes this a step further, supporting channel widths of up to 320 MHz, effectively doubling the capacity of WiFi 6E. This means significantly more data can be transmitted simultaneously.
To visualize this, consider the difference between a single-lane road, a three-lane highway, and a six-lane superhighway. Wider channels resemble more lanes, allowing smoother and faster traffic flow.
WiFi 7: Key Innovations
The most significant leap in WiFi 7 is Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Unlike previous WiFi standards that connect devices on a single frequency band, MLO allows devices to utilize multiple bands simultaneously. Imagine it as a highway and a superhighway working in tandem, drastically increasing data transmission capacity.
This not only boosts speed but also enhances efficiency. WiFi 7 routers can intelligently select the optimal channels, avoiding congestion and interference and ensuring a stable, low-latency connection. This is particularly beneficial for extending the range of the 6-GHz band, which is crucial for seamless mesh network performance throughout your home.
Another key advancement is Higher QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation). WiFi 7 employs 4K-QAM, a significant upgrade from WiFi 6’s 1,024-QAM and WiFi 5’s 256-6’s. Higher QAM means data packed into radio waves. While this translates to a 20 percent increase in peak performance over WiFi 6, it’s important to note that higheit’sM requires a stronger signal and reduces range.
Is Now the Right Time for WiFi 7?
WiFi 7 routers and devices began appearing in 2023. While you’ll only fully experience WiFi 7you’llits with compatible devices, these routers are backward compatible, making them a future-proof investment. If you’re considering a high-end WiFi 6you’reem, a WiFi 7 system might be more innovative.
We’ve tested several WiFi 7 routers and We’veh systems, including the TP-Link BE800, Amazon Eero Max 7, Netgear Orbi 970 Series, and TP-Link Deco BE85. While initially pricey, prices are beginning to drop, and more mid-range and entry-level options are emerging.
On the device front, WiFi 7 is rapidly gaining traction. Leading smartphone and laptop manufacturers are incorporating WiFi 7, and major chipmakers like Qualcomm, Intel, Broadcom, and MediaTek are producing certified WiFi 7 chipsets. With the WiFi Alliance driving certification, it’s projected that over 233 million WiFi 7it’sices will enter the market this year, signaling a significant shift in wireless connectivity.
