Wi‑Fi 7: A new standard of speed and stability for your internet

Wi-Fi history and new horizons with IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7)

Wi-Fi is the backbone of our daily lives today, from smart devices in the home to video streaming, online gaming, and video conferences. But do you know how the wireless network came to be and why it was created?

It all started in the late 90s when the first wireless communication standard, IEEE 802.11, was developed, allowing people to connect to the Internet literally through the air. This was a real revolution, because no more cables were needed throughout the house. Since then, Wi-Fi has been constantly evolving, getting faster and better.

But 2024 was a landmark year for the whole world - Wi-Fi 7 was introduced. But is it worth rushing to buy a new router? Let's figure it out together!

In this article, we'll get acquainted with the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, recall its brothers - Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6e - and compare them to understand the advantages of new generations. Get ready for an exciting journey, there's a lot of interesting information ahead.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is the future of wireless internet. Its task is to ensure the highest possible speed and efficiency of devices, especially in conditions of network congestion.

Wi-Fi 7 is based on the IEEE 802.11be standard and operates in three frequency bands - 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz - which gives it more options for load balancing. Unlike previous standards, Wi-Fi 7 focuses on solving the causes of network congestion and slow speeds on multiple devices at the same time. It is 4.8 times faster than Wi-Fi 6 and 13 times faster than Wi-Fi 5. This opens up new opportunities for users, ensuring  smooth and simultaneous operation of streaming services, video calls and games and the BRIZ.TV.

Benefits of Wi-Fi 7

1. Speeds up to 46 Gbps

Wi-Fi 7 promises to bring a real revolution in Internet speeds - up to 46 Gbps. This means that your movies or TV shows in 8K quality will load instantly, and large files, such as games or video projects, will load in a few seconds. This high speed is especially useful for those who enjoy online gaming, as you can now play without any lag or slowdowns, enjoying a smooth and fast gameplay experience.

2. Multi-Link Operation

A frequency is a “lane” for your data traffic. When many devices are connected, or when there are multiple Wi-Fi networks in your home or office, each of the frequencies can become congested.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows your router to switch between bands depending on the load. For example, if one band is overloaded (many devices on the network), another less busy band will be automatically selected.

3. Channel width is up to 320 MHz

In Wi-Fi 7, the channels for data transmission have become wider, up to 320 MHz. The wider the channel, the more data can be transmitted simultaneously, which significantly increases the speed of the Internet. More devices with faster speeds are now supported, especially useful for offices or smart homes.

4. Improved 4096-QAM modulation

Modulation is the way a router transmits information through signals over a wireless network. Wi-Fi 7 uses a new type of modulation called 4096-QAM, which allows you to transmit more information at a time. Network performance is improved, and as a result, connected devices can work even faster.

5. Minimal delays

If you play online games, participate in video calls, or use virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies, low latency is especially important to you. Wi-Fi 7's Multi-RU (Multi Resource Unit) feature allows the router to handle multiple data streams simultaneously, which significantly reduces latency.

6. Support for a large number of connected devices

With 16x16 MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi 7 can connect many more devices than previous versions. Good news for all fans of smart homes, businesses, and offices.

For the best results, we recommend that you read our tips on how to configure your devices.

Comparison of Wi-Fi standards

The latest technology uses three frequency bands, which allows for more flexible load balancing and reduces network congestion.

WiFi 7 makes giant strides in bandwidth - 480% more than previous generations. This makes your smart home ready for all the latest online experiences.

Wi-Fi 7 supports up to 16 simultaneous data streams by using CMU-MIMO technology. This is two times more than in Wi-Fi 6 and four times more than inWi-Fi 5. Increased the number of devices that can connect to the network at the same time and their speed.

In Wi-Fi 6, the maximum channel width is 160 MHz, and in Wi-Fi 7 - 320 MHz. Thanks to this and MLO (Multi-Link Operation), the bandwidth is 5 times higher. Your data can be transferred even faster, and the network will be even better able to handle high traffic, especially in congested conditions.

Who needs Wi-Fi 7?

Most users simply can make it with Wi-Fi 6: the speed is already quite high, and the changes compared to Wi-Fi 5 are already significant. But what about Wi-Fi 6E, which offers even more interesting features, including the use of 6 GHz? Perhaps Wi-Fi 7 is not so necessary?

It's not that easy. The router market hasn't quite adapted to Wi-Fi 6E yet, not to mention Wi-Fi 7. Many budget devices can only please you with Wi-Fi 5 features. Nevertheless, the changes in the new technology certainly affect users with a large number of devices and gigabit tariff plans. Let's take a look at the main groups of people for whom Wi-Fi 7 will be a real boon.

1. Users with high traffic

If you actively stream 8K video, frequently participate in video conferencing, download large files, or depend on the Internet for your work, Wi-Fi 7 will provide you with the speed and stability you need, eliminating delays and buffering, and our tariffs for home internet will help you find the best option for your needs.

2. Smart home owners

For those who have developed a smart home concept with many IoT devices, Wi-Fi 7 will be the best solution. Uninterrupted Internet access for all connected devices at the same time is a dream come true.

3. Businesses that depend on fast internet

Organizations that depend on high-speed and stable internet will also gain from Wi-Fi 7. It will help them optimize their operations and increase productivity. Find out more about our business propositions and select the right solution for your company.

4. Gamers and tech enthusiasts

Whether you want to get the best out of online gaming or enjoy VR/AR, Wi-Fi 7 will help you do just that. 

Which Wi-Fi standard should I choose?

The changes are indeed very important: there has been a significant leap in speed, frequency combining, and wireless network stability. However, not every user will be able to fully experience these benefits, especially considering that most routers are simply not yet ready to offer all the features of the new standard.

Therefore, we should expect further development of the technology in the near future, when access to Wi-Fi 7 becomes commonplace and devices begin to use its capabilities to the fullest.

Is it worth switching to the new Wi-Fi 7 standard?

Wi-Fi 7 offers amazing benefits, such as maximum speeds, high stability, support for multiple devices, and readiness for future requirements. However, the choice of technology needs to be tailored to the needs of each user. Remember to take into account your individual Internet requirements at home or for business and choose your router very carefully when buying it.