What is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is the next-generation standard from the Wi-Fi Alliance that defines new features. Wi-Fi 7 builds on Wi-Fi 6E (uses the 6 GHz band) and increases data rates through the use of 320 MHz channels.
Wi-Fi 7 explained
Wi-Fi 7 delivers features based on the new 802.11be standard and extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E.
- 320 MHz bandwidth channels
- Multi-link operation (MLO) for channel aggregation across different bands and failover
- 4096 QAM (4k QAM) for higher peak data rates
- Spectrum puncturing to better accommodate interference in wide channels
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 both take advantage of the 6GHz band. However, Wi-Fi 7 is based on the IEEE 802.11be standard while Wi-Fi 6E is based on IEEE 802.11ax.
Wi-Fi 7 also features:
- 320 MHz bandwidth channels
- Multi-link operation (MLO) for channel aggregation and failover
- 4096 QAM for higher peak data rates
- Spectrum puncturing to better accommodate interference in wide channels
Is Wi-Fi 7 the same as 802.11be?
Wi-Fi 7 is the name the Wi-Fi Alliance has designated for 802.11be (which is defined by the IEEE). Both Wi-Fi 7 and 802.11be refer to the same set of capabilities.
Will Wi-Fi 7 work outdoors?
Like Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 will rely on the use of an Automated Frequency Coordination service (AFC) to protect 6GHz incumbents outdoors and will need to be approved for Standard Power operation by local regulators. Until both the AFC and regulatory approvals are in place, organizations will not be able to leverage Wi-Fi 7 (or Wi-Fi 6E) outdoors.
Wi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 7
| Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Corresponding IEEE standard | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Use of 6GHz band | Yes | Yes |
| Key features |
| All the features of Wi-Fi 6E plus:
|
| Target audience | Enterprise and consumer | TBD |
| What you should know |
|
|
* Dependent on local regulations
Benefits of Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 takes advantage of the 6 GHz band for more capacity and provides:
- Higher peak data rates with wide channels
- Link robustness in the presence of interference
- Improved user experience with 4K QAM for 20% higher transmission rates
