The ever-evolving advancements in connectivity play a crucial role in shaping our digital experiences. The latest trend in the world of wireless networking is WiFi 7 (802.11be), the latest generation of wireless technology, promising improved performance and faster speeds than ever before. In this blog post, we’ll explore what WiFi 7 is all about and help you determine whether you really need it.
Key Features of WiFi 7
Speed
WiFi 7 is expected to provide significantly faster speeds compared to its predecessors. While WiFi 6 can reach speeds of 9.6 Gbps, WiFi 7 is expected to have a maximum speed of 46 Gbps per client! This is achieved through more advanced modulation techniques and channel bonding.
Efficiency
The WiFi 7 standard brings improved efficiency , achieved through better channel management and enhanced multi-user capabilities.
In short, it is designed to handle a much higher number of devices simultaneously, making it ideal for high-density environments, such as hospitality venues, offices, and public spaces.
Reduced Latency
WiFi 7 aims to reduce latency, ensuring a more responsive and seamless user experience. This is particularly important for applications like online gaming and video conferencing, where low latency is essential for a seamless user experience.
Enhanced Security
With each new WiFi generation, there is a focus on strengthening security protocols. WiFi 7 is expected to introduce new security features to protect against evolving cyber threats, ensuring a safer wireless environment for users.
Increased Channel Widths
WiFi 6E introduced an expansion of channel bandwidth in the 5 GHz band to 160 MHz wide, but, with the new spectrum in the 6 GHz band that WiFi 7 offers, it is doubled to reach 320 MHz.
Do I Need WiFi 7?
High-Density Environments
If you live in a densely populated area or work in an environment with numerous connected devices, WiFi 7’s improved efficiency in handling multiple connections simultaneously could be a compelling reason to upgrade. Ubiquiti’s new U7-PRO access point, for example, can handle over 300 connected devices!