Highlights
- Introduction of 320MHz channels in Wi-Fi 7 doubles bandwidth capacity.
- Wi-Fi 7 enhances data transmission with Multi-Link Operation (MLO).
- Wi-Fi 7 promises significant improvements for VR and high-bandwidth applications.
- Apple rumoured to integrate Wi-Fi 7 in upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and other devices.
This certification paves the way for devices like smartphones, laptops, and routers to receive the latest endorsement in Wi-Fi technology.
“The introduction of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 marks the emergence of the latest generation of Wi-Fi and will be an accelerant to mass adoption of Wi-Fi 7.
This certification underscores our relentless commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that redefines the way users experience Wi-Fi, providing faster speeds, improved efficiency, and increased reliability which expand the horizons of what is possible through Wi-Fi.” – Kevin Robinson, president and CEO, Wi-Fi Alliance.
Here is all you need to know about it.
Wi-Fi 7: Key Advancements and Highlights
Wi-Fi 7 is said to represent the cutting edge in wireless technology, boasting faster speeds, reduced latency, and an enhanced capacity for handling numerous connected devices simultaneously.
Although the buzz around Wi-Fi 7 has been building since Wi-Fi 6’s inception in 2019, its full benefits can only be harnessed when both the router and the device are Wi-Fi 7 compatible.
However, Wi-Fi 7 is designed to be backward compatible, meaning new routers will still function with older devices though not at the promised bandwidth speeds.
One of the standout features of Wi-Fi 7 is the introduction of 320MHz channels, which offer double the bandwidth of the 160MHz channels found in 5GHz routers.
This increase translates to significantly faster data speeds.
However, it’s important to note that these channels will only be accessible in countries that have opened up the 6GHz band for wireless use.
Impact on VR and Other Applications
Another significant advancement is Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows for data transmission and reception across multiple bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) simultaneously.
This not only improves reliability and speed but also drastically cuts down latency.
This feature is particularly advantageous for virtual reality (VR) applications, where headsets could utilize different bands for video streaming and tracking information, optimizing overall performance.
With Wi-Fi 7, the simultaneous transmission and reception of data over various frequency links are further enhanced.
This capability is crucial for applications demanding high bandwidth, such as live streaming in resolutions above 4K, online gaming, and AR/VR content.
Wi-Fi 7 and Apple Devices
While Wi-Fi 7 routers have just started to emerge, Apple is rumored to be incorporating Wi-Fi 7 support in its upcoming products, potentially starting with the iPhone 16 Pro.
This move would likely extend to other Apple devices like the iPad and Mac in the future.
Given the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, it’s speculated that this technology would be an ideal match for advanced devices like the next-generation Apple Vision Pro.
FAQs
What is the Wi-Fi 7 Certified program and why is it important?
The Wi-Fi 7 Certified program, launched by the Wi-Fi Alliance, marks the arrival of the latest Wi-Fi technology.
It certifies devices like smartphones, laptops, and routers for the newest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring they meet the highest standards for speed, latency, and connectivity.
How does Wi-Fi 7 improve upon previous Wi-Fi standards?
Wi-Fi 7 brings significant improvements over its predecessors by offering faster data speeds and reduced latency.
This is achieved through features like 320MHz channels, which provide double the bandwidth of previous standards, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous data transmission across multiple bands.
What are the implications of Wi-Fi 7 for virtual reality (VR) and other high-demand applications?
Wi-Fi 7’s reduced latency and higher bandwidth are particularly beneficial for VR applications, allowing headsets to stream video and transmit tracking information more efficiently.
It’s also crucial for applications that require high bandwidth, such as 4K live streaming and online gaming.
Is Wi-Fi 7 backward compatible with older devices?
Yes, Wi-Fi 7 is designed to be backward compatible, meaning that new Wi-Fi 7 routers will still work with devices that support older Wi-Fi standards.
However, to fully utilize Wi-Fi 7’s benefits, both the router and the device need to be Wi-Fi 7 compatible.
How does Wi-Fi 7 work?
Wi-Fi 7 still uses the same three bands as Wi-Fi 6E: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. It comes down to wider channels.
Wi-Fi 7 doubles the channel size of the 6-GHz band, going from 160MHz to 320MHz. A Wi-Fi 7 laptop could reach a “potential maximum” of 5.8Gbps — 2.4 times faster than the 2.4Gbps possible with Wi-Fi 6/6E, according to Intel, one of the companies producing Wi-Fi 7 certified chipsets.
The other significant step for Wi-Fi 7 is Multi-Link Operation (MLO).
While Wi-Fi 6 and 6E provided access to multiple bands, devices could only connect to one band at a time.
MLO allows Wi-Fi 7 devices to simultaneously connect on two bands.
That results in faster speeds, but it also means improved reliability and ultra-low latency.
Do I need new equipment to use Wi-Fi 7?
You’ll need two devices in order to take advantage of these benefits: a Wi-Fi 7 router and a Wi-Fi 7 device to connect to it.
Since the certification process was only recently kicked off, there aren’t currently many Wi-Fi 7 devices available.
Wi-Fi 7 is fully backward compatible, so you’ll be able to use your older devices with a Wi-Fi 7 router, or a Wi-Fi 7 phone with a Wi-Fi 6 router — you just won’t reap the Wi-Fi 7 benefits.
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