Wi-Fi 7: The Ultimate Guide to the Latest Wi-Fi Standard

A Little Background on Wi-Fi 7

Ezurio believes that for our customers in the medical, industrial, and commercial spaces, Wi-Fi 6E has already brought some of the most significant new features that enable previously impossible power management, sharing of spectrum, and reliability of connection.

We've built a Wi-Fi 6 and 6E portfolio that covers everything from the most minimal throughput requirements to the most high-performance chipsets on the market. Learn more about our Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E portfolio here.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, identified as IEEE 802.11be, is the latest Wi-Fi standard with meaningful improvements to wireless connectivity. This seventh-generation Wi-Fi technology is designed to provide faster speeds, improved responsiveness, and offer better performance than its predecessors.

The IEEE, the organization responsible for the Wi-Fi specification, has ensured that Wi-Fi 7 not only builds on previous generations like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E but also introduces new features that cater to the increasing demands of modern internet usage. Whether it's streaming 8K videos, virtual reality headsets, engaging in cloud gaming, or managing a smart home, Wi-Fi 7 handles it all with remarkable efficiency.

Faster Speeds

One of the most compelling aspects of Wi-Fi 7 is its potential for faster speeds. The standard can achieve PHY data rates of up to 46 Gbps, a leap from previous generations. Advanced data encoding techniques and additional spectrum capacity in the 6 GHz band contribute to this speed increase. Users can expect faster downloads, smoother streaming, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously without compromising performance.

With Wi-Fi 7, the concept of extremely high throughput becomes a reality. Imagine downloading a high-definition movie in seconds or enjoying a lag-free gaming experience even in a household filled with connected devices.

The higher speeds and increased transmission efficiency are key benefits that allow users to take full advantage of their internet plan, providing better connections and improved reliability. This makes Wi-Fi 7 a vital upgrade for anyone looking to future-proof their home network.

Lower Latency

Latency, the time delay it takes for data to transfer across a network, is a critical factor for applications like gaming and streaming. Wi-Fi 7 significantly reduces latency, offering up to four times lower latency compared to Wi-Fi 6. This reduction is a game-changer for gamers who require real-time responsiveness and for streamers who need uninterrupted, high-quality video playback.

The ultra-low latency in Wi-Fi 7 is achieved through technologies like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which provides more efficient data transfer capabilities to reduce delays and retries when transferring data. For anyone engaged in activities that demand quick data exchange, the benefits of lower latency cannot be overstated. Wi-Fi 7 is not a fully deterministic network technology.

Improved responsiveness and reduced delay significantly enhance the user experience in online gaming, virtual reality, and video conferencing.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

Perhaps the most transformative Wi-Fi 7 feature is Multi-Link Operation (MLO). With MLO, a Wi-Fi 7 client and access point can establish links on multiple bands or channels simultaneously and use them in parallel . In other words, a device is no longer limited to one channel – it can transmit and receive over (for example) a 5 GHz link and a 6 GHz link at the same time with the same AP. This multi-link capability (a mandatory feature for Wi-Fi 7) provides several powerful benefits: 

• Aggregation – Using multiple links in parallel increases total throughput for bandwidth-heavy applications (e.g. multi-stream HD video conferencing). 
• Steering – MLO can dynamically route traffic over the link that best meets quality-of-service needs, switching links if one becomes congested. This ensures latency-critical flows (like AR/VR) always use the optimal path. 
• Redundancy – MLO can duplicate and send identical data across different links. If one link drops a packet, another link still delivers it, greatly improving reliability. This is vital for ultra-critical use cases (for example, remote surgery) that cannot tolerate data loss. 

In early Wi-Fi 7 deployments, the main benefit users will notice is higher throughput via two-link aggregation . However, as client and infrastructure support matures, MLO’s intelligent steering and failover capabilities will be game-changers for deterministic, reliable wireless connectivity. Devices supporting multi-link are called multi-link devices (MLD), but the complexity is handled by the Wi-Fi 7 MAC layer, so applications can benefit from MLO without additional software complexity.

320 MHz Channels

Wi-Fi 7 doubles the maximum channel width from 160 MHz to 320 MHz (available in the 6 GHz band). Using a 320 MHz ultra-wide channel allows a Wi-Fi 7 device to transmit twice as much data in parallel, significantly increasing peak throughput. This expanded bandwidth contributes greatly to Wi-Fi 7’s speed gains – a single 320 MHz link with advanced modulation can theoretically carry ~23 Gbps (with 8 spatial streams) , compared to 9.6 Gbps max in Wi-Fi 6. Such capacity makes wireless performance feel closer to wired and is especially beneficial for data-heavy applications (like 4K/8K video or industrial machine vision) that demand huge bandwidth.

It’s worth noting that 320 MHz channels reside only in the relatively uncrowded 6 GHz spectrum opened up by Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 7 access points can operate across all three bands concurrently, dynamically utilizing 6 GHz for these wide channels while also serving 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz clients for range or compatibility. This tri-band flexibility allows networks to fully harness available spectrum for optimal throughput and coverage.

Key Features of Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 is packed with advanced features that cater to the high demands of modern internet applications. It is particularly suited for applications requiring high bandwidth, such as immersive experiences and real-time collaboration. Supporting 8K video streaming, cloud gaming, and telemedicine, Wi-Fi 7 opens up a world of possibilities.

Wi-Fi 7 also introduces new technologies like 4K-QAM, Multi-Resource Units (MRU), and 16x16 MU-MIMO, each contributing to the enhanced performance and reliability of Wi-Fi 7. These features ensure that users can enjoy a seamless and efficient internet experience with less interference, regardless of the number of clients or the type of application being used.

4K-QAM

A standout feature of Wi-Fi 7 is 4K-QAM (4096-QAM), an advanced modulation scheme that enhances data transmission rates by packing more data into each transmission. Compared to previous technologies, 4K-QAM allows Wi-Fi 7 to embed a greater amount of data within each transmission, significantly improving efficiency and yielding extremely high throughput.

The introduction of 4K-QAM in Wi-Fi 7 means that multiple Resource Units (RUs) can be used for a single device, leading to improved spectrum, assigned resource unit scheduling and transmission efficiency. Flexible Channel Utilization (FCU) further supports 4K-QAM by optimizing channel usage and reducing interference. These advanced capabilities ensures that Wi-Fi 7 can deliver higher speeds and better performance, even in densely populated areas.

Preamble Puncturing (Interference Mitigation)

Wireless environments in hospitals, factories, and offices often suffer from crowded spectrum and interference. Preamble puncturing is a Wi-Fi 7 feature that improves throughput in noisy environments by “carving out” portions of a wide channel that are experiencing interference . Without puncturing, interference on a small 20 MHz slice of an 80 MHz channel would negate the use of the entire channel – effectively dropping from 80 MHz down to 20 MHz and losing 60 MHz of capacity . With Wi-Fi 7, the access point can puncture (ignore) just the affected 20 MHz portion and continue using the remaining 60 MHz of bandwidth . Only the unusable sub-channel is sacrificed, preserving the rest of the capacity for data. This ensures optimal performance even in congested environments. Preamble puncturing is mandatory in Wi-Fi 7 (applicable to channel widths ≥ 80 MHz) and will enhance throughput stability in dense deployments where certain frequency fragments are prone to interference.

Multi-Resource Units (MRU)

Wi-Fi 7 also refines Wi-Fi 6’s multi-user OFDMA capabilities with Multiple Resource Unit (MRU) support. In Wi-Fi 6, an access point could assign each client only a single Resource Unit (RU) – a block of subcarriers in a channel – per transmission. Wi-Fi 7 removes that restriction: a single client can now be allocated multiple RUs simultaneously in one transmission opportunity . In practice, this means the AP can give a heavytraffic client two or more chunks of spectrum in the same round, rather than leaving some RUs unused. MRU (mandatory in Wi-Fi 7) therefore improves spectral efficiency and throughput for individual devices, especially when data demands vary between clients.

This enhancement benefits high-density scenarios like IoT networks with mixed traffic. For example, a Wi-Fi 7 AP could serve many low-bandwidth sensors and a few high-bandwidth video devices concurrently by assigning multiple RUs to the heavy data streams while still accommodating the small streams – all in the same OFDMA frame. The result is better airtime utilization, lower latency (since devices don’t wait as long for access), and higher overall capacity compared to Wi-Fi 6. 

Wi-Fi 7 also doubles the maximum aggregated data that can be acknowledged in one go, supporting 512-frame block acknowledgments (up from 256 in Wi-Fi 6) to reduce protocol overhead . Despite the many additions, Wi-Fi 7 continues to support up to 8 spatial streams like Wi-Fi 6 – earlier drafts considered 16 streams, but practical implementations have stayed at 8 due to complexity and power constraints .

16x16 MU-MIMO

Wi-Fi 7’s 16x16 MU-MIMO technology is a big step up for network performance. This technology allows for simultaneous communication with a larger number of devices, significantly improving overall network efficiency. By supporting multiple users and devices at the same time, 16x16 MU-MIMO ensures that everyone connected to the network experiences optimal performance.

Simultaneous data transmission to multiple devices without compromising performance is a standout feature of Wi-Fi 7. Whether in a home environment with numerous smart devices or in a business setting with many connected clients, 16x16 MU-MIMO ensures a stable and efficient network. This makes Wi-Fi 7 an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their internet experience.

Applications of Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7’s fast speeds and extremely low latency make it ideal for a wide range of applications. From gaming to video conferencing, Wi-Fi 7 ensures real-time responsiveness and high-quality performance.

Enhanced speed capabilities mean that games can be downloaded in a fraction of the time, and applications like massive online games, 4K/8K video streaming and VR are significantly improved. For home devices that must move a large amount of bandwidth, this is a big improvement.

Beyond entertainment, Wi-Fi 7 supports advanced applications such as 8K audio/video streaming, augmented reality, and cloud gaming. It is also expected to support rapidly evolving applications like industrial IoT, medical and virtual reality, making it a versatile and future-proof technology.

Smart Homes

In the realm of smart homes, Wi-Fi 7 is a game-changer. Handling numerous simultaneous connections with minimal interference ensures seamless operation for a multitude of smart devices across the entire home. From smart thermostats to security cameras and voice assistants, Wi-Fi 7 enables superfast response times and no delays, enhancing the overall smart home experience.

Homeowners benefit from a more reliable and efficient network that supports a wide range of smart devices. Whether you’re streaming music in one room, controlling the lighting in another, or monitoring security footage, Wi-Fi 7 ensures that all your smart devices work together seamlessly, providing a truly connected home environment.

Industry 4.0

Wi-Fi 7 is also suitable for Industry 4.0, empowering IoT devices in manufacturing and distribution processes. With its high capacity and reliable connections, Wi-Fi 7 facilitates real-time data exchange in smart factories. Machine and sensor wi-fi devices can communicate more effectively, improving efficiency and productivity across the board.

Ezurio believes that many of these enhancements have already arrived in the form of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. Still, Wi-Fi 7 represents a continued and incremental improvement in the Wi-Fi standard.

In manufacturing settings, Wi-Fi 7’s ability to support numerous devices simultaneously ensures that every component of the production line is connected and responsive. This connectivity is crucial for implementing advanced manufacturing techniques and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry. As a result, Wi-Fi 7 is poised to become an essential technology for the next wave of smart factories.

Business Operations

Business operations stand to benefit significantly from the advancements brought by Wi-Fi 7. The improved speed, bandwidth, and new features enhance network performance, making it ideal for business applications. Virtual meetings and cloud-based services operate smoothly and efficiently with Wi-Fi 7.

With Wi-Fi 7, businesses can experience significant improvements in virtual meeting quality due to enhanced network stability. This stability is essential for maintaining clear and uninterrupted communication, especially in a remote working environment. Additionally, the improved connectivity supports a wide range of business applications, from file sharing to real-time collaboration, making Wi-Fi 7 a valuable asset for any organization.

Comparing Wi-Fi Generations

To truly appreciate the advancements of Wi-Fi 7, it’s essential to compare it with previous Wi-Fi generations. Wi-Fi 7 aims to achieve wireless communication speeds and capacities that surpass the previous standard, IEEE 802.11ax, known as Wi-Fi 6. While Wi-Fi 6 provided a 37% speed improvement over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 7 takes it a step further with even more significant enhancements.

Wi-Fi 6E was the first Wi-Fi standard to operate across three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, utilizing Preamble Puncturing technology to improve channel usage. These advancements make Wi-Fi 6 a more robust and efficient standard, capable of meeting the demands of modern internet usage. These advancements are continued and retained in Wi-Fi 7.

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7

Determining real-world data rates for Wi-Fi 7 as opposed to theoretical maximums is a tricky distinction. However, in the round, Wi-Fi can achieve speeds of up to 27 Gbps, making it 2.4 times faster than Wi-Fi 6. This increase in speed is due to the doubled theoretical physical transmission rate and the support for 16 spatial streams, which enhance the ability to maintain connections to multiple devices. Additionally, Wi-Fi 7’s theoretical maximum data rate of 46 Gbps significantly surpasses Wi-Fi 6’s capabilities.

The 4K-QAM technology in Wi-Fi 7 provides up to a 20% increase in data transmission rates compared to Wi-Fi 6, further enhancing performance. Wi-Fi 7 also utilizes the 6 GHz band, which doubles the bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi 6, resulting in greater throughput and less interference.

Overall, Wi-Fi 7’s advancements make it a substantial upgrade over Wi-Fi 6, offering higher throughput and improved network efficiency. But it is worth noting that OEMs real requirements may not require a fraction of this high-throughput capability.

OEMs should choose the right fit for their application, not necessarily just chase the biggest numbers. In Ezurio's opinion, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E have already unlocked the key Wi-Fi feature sets that are crucial for OEMs in the industrial, medical, and commercial spaces.

Backward Compatibility of Wi-Fi 7

One of the key aspects of Wi-Fi 7 is its backward compatibility, ensuring that older client devices still can connect without issues. This feature is crucial for users looking to upgrade their network without losing connectivity for their existing devices. Wi-Fi 7 is designed to support legacy clients, enabling devices supporting WPA2 or WPA3 and newer Wi-Fi devices to connect seamlessly.

Although legacy clients generally see little or no improvement in performance when connecting to Wi-Fi 7 compared to previous standards, the backward compatibility feature ensures a smooth transition. Users can upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 with the confidence that their legacy devices will still function properly, making the upgrade process more convenient and less disruptive.

Wi-Fi 7 Devices

With the advent of Wi-Fi 7, a new wave of devices is set to hit the market, offering enhanced speed and performance. Routers are being designed to support a high number of connected devices, making them ideal for homes and businesses alike. Among the notable devices are the Asus RT-BE96U, known for its exceptional speed and built-in security features, and the TP-Link Deco BE63, which offers robust performance at an affordable price.

These Wi-Fi 7 routers are equipped with features to ensure optimal performance. For instance, the RS700S Wi-Fi 7 router can support up to 200 devices and has a maximum speed of 19 Gbps. Similarly, the RS500 Wi-Fi 7 device can connect up to 120 devices and offers speeds of up to 12 Gbps with its Tri-Band technology, a leap above previous standards' single band or dual band offerings.

These advancements ensure that Wi-Fi 7 devices can meet the demands of modern connectivity.

Mesh Routers

These are a key component of Wi-Fi 7’s offerings, providing extensive coverage and seamless roaming capabilities for larger spaces. The Netgear Orbi RBE973 stands out for its high performance and multiple data ports, making it ideal for homes and businesses with high connectivity needs. Similarly, the MSI Roamii BE Lite is a budget-friendly mesh system that supports a maximum of 120 clients, ensuring reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers ensure that all devices within a network remain connected and perform optimally, even in large or complex environments. These routers provide seamless roaming, allowing users to move throughout their home or office without experiencing connectivity drops. By creating a robust and reliable backhaul mesh network, these routers enhance the overall internet experience for all users.

Tri-Band Routers

Tri-band routers are another vital aspect of Wi-Fi 7, utilizing three bands for data transmission to boost overall network performance. Wi-Fi 6E was the first Wi-Fi standard to introduce tri-band operation (in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency ranges). For Wi-Fi 6 and prior, dual band operation was the maximum (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz only). The RS600 Wi-Fi 7 device, for instance, can reach maximum speeds of up to 18 Gbps and support up to 150 devices simultaneously. This ensures that multiple users and devices can connect without compromising performance, making tri-band routers ideal for high-demand environments.

Using three separate bands for data transmission, tri-band Wi-Fi routers enhance connectivity and reduce interference. This leads to a more stable and efficient network, capable of handling the demands of modern internet usage. Whether in a residential or commercial setting, tri-band routers provide the performance and reliability needed to support multiple bands of applications.

Spectrum Resource Scheduling

Introduced as part of the Wi-Fi 6/6E standad, Spectrum Resource Scheduling, facilitated by Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC), is set to enhance operational efficiencies in the 6 GHz band. AFC is designed to manage frequency use among devices, reducing interference and improving overall network performance. This technology is particularly beneficial for outdoor applications, where managing multiple connections can be challenging.

AFC also increases broadcasting power to 36 dBm, significantly enhancing range and broadcasting capabilities within the Wi-Fi 7 framework. This enhancement ensures Wi-Fi 7 networks cover larger areas and support more devices, increasing effectiveness in both residential and commercial settings.

By optimizing spectrum resource scheduling, Wi-Fi 7 can deliver a more stable and efficient internet experience.

Next Generation Wi-Fi

Looking beyond Wi-Fi 7, the next generation of specifications, including Wi-Fi 8 and Wi-Fi 9, are anticipated to build on the advancements of Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 8 is expected to enhance reliability and reduce latency, offering even greater efficiency and performance. Wi-Fi 8 is known as IEEE 802.11bn UHR (Ultra-High Reliability) and will focus on enhancements in latency and overall connection reliability. Although early in its development items under consideration include:

• Multi-AP coordination (Distributed MLO)
• Improved spectral efficiency
• Extended Range
• Improved power performance
• Deterministic capability (MAC and PHY improvements)
• Advanced security protocols (quantum-resistant encryption).

Wi-Fi 9, not yet a defined standard, will focus on further enhancements in speed and connection reliability, ensuring that Wi-Fi continues to evolve to meet the needs of users. These future standards will build on the existing foundations, providing even more robust and efficient internet connectivity.

As we move forward, the potential for Wi-Fi remains vast, promising a future where connectivity can simultaneously connect seamlessly and ubiquitously.

Final Thoughts on Wi-Fi 7

In summary, Wi-Fi 7 represents a significant leap forward in wireless connectivity, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance. With features like 4K-QAM, Multi-Resource Units (MRU) puncturing, 16x16 MU-MIMO, and 320 MHz channels, Wi-Fi 7 is designed to meet the demands of modern internet and business usage. Its ability to support numerous devices simultaneously and provide a stable and efficient network makes it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial settings.

As we look to the future, the advancements in Wi-Fi promise even greater possibilities. Wi-Fi 8 and Wi-Fi 9 are set to build on the foundations laid by earlier generations of Wi-Fi, including Wi-Fi 7, offering even higher speeds and more efficient connectivity. By embracing these advancements, we can look forward to a future where connectivity is seamless, reliable, and capable of supporting the most demanding applications.

In the meanwhile, the question remains for manufacturers: what are your ACTUAL requirements in designing Wi-Fi into your device? Wi-Fi 6E in particular brings many of the critical features that enable higher throughput and better power management: better QAM, target wake time, BSS coloring, OFDMA to reduce wasted space in Wi-Fi frames, and more.

Ezurio believes our line of Sona Wi-Fi 6/6E modules and our Veda SL917 Wi-Fi 6 NCP and SoC Modules provide a range of features and performance points that give OEMs ultimate design choice for a Wi-Fi module that meets every need.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect Wi-Fi 7?

The Wi-Fi Alliance began certifying Wi-Fi 7 in January 2024, with devices emerging in the market shortly thereafter. However, the final ratification by the Wi-Fi Alliance is anticipated to continue until early 2025.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, is the newest Wi-Fi standard that provides faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity for multiple devices. This advancement significantly improves overall network performance in comparison to existing standards.

How fast is Wi-Fi 7 compared to Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 7 is significantly faster than Wi-Fi 6, achieving speeds of up to 27 Gbps compared to Wi-Fi 6's maximum of 9.6 Gbps. This substantial increase in speed enhances overall connectivity and performance.

Is Wi-Fi 7 backward compatible with older devices?

Wi-Fi 7 devices will be fully backward compatible, enabling connecting to legacy Access Points and Routers. Legacy client devices will be able to connect to the latest Wi-Fi Access Points and Routers without issues. This ensures a smooth transition to the latest wireless technology.

What are the main features of Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 offers features such as 4K-QAM, Multi-Resource Units (MRU) puncturing, 16x16 MU-MIMO, and an increased channel width of 320 MHz, significantly improving data transmission rates and reliability. These enhancements are designed to elevate the overall wireless experience.