Wi-Fi 7 represents the next generation of wireless communications. It’s already here and provides lightning-fast connectivity in residential, business, and commercial settings. Not only that, but it has several new features that should appeal to anyone trying to improve their connection.
Wi-Fi 7’s technology seems truly cutting-edge, and there are numerous compelling reasons to upgrade. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, most notably the cost of entrance; you’ll have to pay for the next-generation connection as well as one of the top Wi-Fi routers capable of handling it.
The Wi-Fi Alliance has spoken extensively about the benefits of Wi-Fi 7, but below is a synopsis of what you may expect if you make the jump.
Wi-Fi 7: Cut to the Chase
- What is it? Wi-Fi 7 is a wireless technology that utilizes the 6GHz frequency to increase internet speeds even more.
- When does it come out? It’s presently available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Mexico. However, it requires regulatory approval in many other nations.
- What will be the cost? The cost will vary depending on the router you purchase. Your internet service provider will most likely give the lowest solutions, although the best Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers may cost more than $1,000 / ₹105095.15 (about AU$1,500).
WI-FI 7 RELEASED DATE
Wi-Fi 7 was formally released on January 8, 2024, when the Wi-Fi Alliance launched its Wi-Fi Certified 7 program, but it will still take years for many people to adapt to it. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, 233 million devices are predicted to enter the market in 2024, increasing to 2.1 billion by 2028.
According to the Alliance, smartphones, PCs, tablets, and access points (APs) would be among the first to embrace Wi-Fi 7, followed by customer premises equipment (CPE) and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) equipment.
Wifi 7 Routers and Pricing
The initial wave of Wi-Fi 7 routers are priced very differently depending on the manufacturer and model.
Some reasonably priced routers, such as the TP-Link Archer BE800, cost as low as $300, whilst others cost $1,000 or more. There are also leased routers that internet companies frequently provide, however these may incur additional monthly fees on your internet subscription.
In between, there’s the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S, which costs $699 / ₹83971.03 / AU$1,499; learn more about it in our Netgear Nighthawk RS700S review. Spoiler alert: we love it. There’s also the Amazon eero Max 7 router, which costs $599 / ₹62952.00 (not available in Australia).
Meanwhile, Acer unveiled two Predator Connect gaming routers at CES 2024. The Predator Connect T7 supports Wi-Fi 7 tri-band, which expands home coverage.
WI-FI 7: SPECS AND PERFORMANCE
The Wi-Fi Alliance has revealed the specifications and performance of Wi-Fi 7. The first is the introduction of 320MHz channels, which are twice as large as 160MHz channels. However, while their increased capacity results in extraordinarily high speeds, they can only be used in nations that allow access to the 6GHz frequency. So far, those countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Mexico, with a complete list available here.
There’s also MLO (Multi-Link Operation). This enables networked devices to transmit and receive data over multiple bands (mostly 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) simultaneously. It leads to more consistent service, higher latency, and higher throughput. This is very significant for VR headsets. Receiving a feed on a 6GHz band While providing tracking information on the 5GHz band would provide best performance.
Another possible benefit of VR is predictable latency, which informs devices when to expect connection interruptions and may result in better tracking. There is also 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), which transmits 20% more data than the current 1024 QAM standard.
Finally, Wi-Fi 7 is backwards compatible with existing Wi-Fi kinds, allowing older computers to connect to the new standard. However, they may not be able to use the greater speeds that Wi-Fi 7 provides, so double-check your devices’ Wi-Fi capabilities before purchasing a new router.
