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. Although Wi-Fi 7 is not yet finalized, capabilities include:
- 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
As part of the certification process, the Wi-Fi Alliance will determine which features are required and which are optional.
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 proposed IEEE 802.11be standard while Wi-Fi 6E is based on IEEE 802.11ax.
Wi-Fi 7 will also feature:
- 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.
Should I wait for Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 6E already supports the 6GHz band, which unleashes up to 1200MHz or 3x the available spectrum for Wi-Fi with up to seven 160MHz channels. For this reason, organizations such as University of Michigan and Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, are adopting Wi-Fi 6E and leveraging the 6 GHz band to improve the student and fan experience rather than waiting 18 months or longer for Wi-Fi 7 access points and meaningful client support for Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be). It’s too early to predict or quantify the benefits of 320MHz channels in multi-AP environments.
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.
What is the regulatory status of Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 is tied to the IEEE standard 802.11be, which is still under review. Wi-Fi Alliance is in the process of defining the criteria for Wi-Fi 7 certification, which is anticipated late 2023 or early 2024.
What is the projected adoption of Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 adoption is expected to be gradual. Due to high price and switching infrastructure costs, less than 20% of organizations will upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 by the end of 2026, according to industry analysts. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to be adopted more slowly than previous Wi-Fi standards because many of the benefits in the 6GHz band can be achieved with Wi-Fi 6E.
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 6GHz band with
- Higher peak data rates
- Link robustness in the presence of interference
It is too early to determine the use cases for Wi-Fi 7 because use of the 320MHz channels will pose challenges in multi-AP environments.