Overview
WiFi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the next generation of WiFi built to make wireless connections much faster and more responsive. It builds on WiFi 6 and 6E, and can use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands.
Key Improvements
WiFi 7 focuses on speed, stability, and smoother performance:
- Wider channels: Uses up to 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band, allowing more data to move at once.
- Smarter use of spectrum: Can avoid interference by using only the clean parts of a channel.
- Multi-link operation: Devices can connect over more than one band or channel at the same time, which reduces lag and interruptions.
- More efficient signals: Packs extra data into each transmission, giving faster speeds when the signal is strong.
Everyday Benefits
For users, this means quicker downloads, more reliable video calls, smoother online gaming, and support for high-demand applications such as AR, VR, and 8K streaming. In offices and schools, WiFi 7 will help keep performance stable even when hundreds of devices are connected.
Deployment Considerations
WiFi 7 equipment is just starting to appear. To see the full benefits, both access points and end-user devices need to support the new standard. For most organisations, upgrading will happen gradually as new hardware is introduced during refresh cycles.
