Should you switch to WiFi 7 (already)?

The last decade has seen a remarkable evolution in wireless networks. From WiFi 4, which began to massively replace wired connections, to today, when many are using WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E, the technology seems to be standing still. Now, on the horizon is WiFi 7, the latest standard that promises even faster transfers, lower latency, and greater reliability. But the question that many users are asking themselves is: is it time to upgrade to WiFi 7?

What is WiFi 7?

WiFi 7, officially known as IEEE 802.11be, is the successor to WiFi 6E. It is a new generation of wireless technology that is expected to enable speeds of up to 46 Gbps, which is almost four times faster than WiFi 6. WiFi 7 uses new technologies such as 320 MHz channel width, 4K QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and improved MU-MIMO features.

In addition to higher speeds, WiFi 7 also promises significantly lower latency, which is crucial for real-time applications such as cloud gaming, video conferencing, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).

Key Benefits of WiFi 7

1. Speed: WiFi 7 will enable faster speeds thanks to 320 MHz wide channels (compared to 160 MHz in WiFi 6E) and 4K QAM modulation. This means that large file transfers will be faster and streaming content in higher resolutions will be smoother.

2. Lower latency: By using multi-band operation, WiFi 7 will be able to use multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously, which will reduce latency and improve overall connection responsiveness.

3. Increased capacity and efficiency: WiFi 7 improves MU-MIMO and OFDMA functionality, allowing more devices to use the network simultaneously without performance degradation.

4. Greater stability and immunity to interference: Technologies like MLO allow for real-time switching between frequency bands, meaning devices can remain connected even during major interference on a particular band.

Is your equipment ready for WiFi 7?

Currently, there are only a handful of routers and devices on the market that support WiFi 7. These devices tend to be priced high, as they are the latest technology. Smartphones, laptops, and other devices with WiFi 7 support are expected to become more widely available in the next 1-2 years.

To take advantage of WiFi 7, you need both a router and clients that support the standard. A WiFi 7 router alone won't improve performance if your devices are still on older standards.

When does it make sense to switch?

1. If you are a tech enthusiast or professional: If you use applications that require high speeds and low latency (e.g., editing videos in the cloud, using VR devices, or frequently participating in high-definition video calls), then WiFi 7 makes sense to upgrade – especially if you already have a few devices that support it.

2. In environments with high device density: In offices, smart homes, or multi-apartment buildings where a large number of connected devices are used, WiFi 7 will allow for better bandwidth distribution and less interference.

3. If you are currently building a new network: If you're investing in a new home or business network right now and want it to be future-proof, then it might make sense to get WiFi 7 equipment now - if your budget allows.

Why it's not necessary to switch yet

1. High costs: WiFi 7 routers are currently more expensive than WiFi 6 or 6E, often two or three times the price. Also, most clients (phones, laptops, smart devices) still use WiFi 6 or even 5.

2. Lack of support in devices: Since most devices are not yet equipped with chips that support WiFi 7, there will be an interim period where users will have to wait for their hardware to catch up with the new standard.

3. WiFi 6/6E is still very powerful: For the vast majority of users, WiFi 6E is more than enough. It delivers high speeds, lower latency, and better power efficiency, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, and working remotely.

How to prepare for the arrival of WiFi 7?

Even if you don't plan to upgrade yet, you can prepare for the arrival of WiFi 7 today:

• When purchasing new devices, check whether they support WiFi 7 or at least WiFi 6E.
• If you're buying a router, consider a model that allows for software upgrades or modular upgrades.
• Follow the latest news from manufacturers such as Qualcomm, Intel, Broadcom, TP-Link, ASUS and others who are already developing WiFi 7 solutions.