Wi-Fi 7: What It Is & Why You Need It
Faster, More Reliable Wi-Fi for the Modern Home
Not too long ago, we were writing about the exciting new internet protocol, Wi-Fi 6. But as our homes become ever more connected—and Audio Video streaming quality improves—that puts even more demand on our Wi-Fi.
Enter Wi-Fi 7, the newest iteration of Wi-Fi standards, now available on home networking devices from brands like WhyReboot and Ruckus. Wi-Fi 7 offers accelerated connectivity, solid reliability, and performance that only compares to wired networks. Streaming 8K, gaming online, and smart home devices are all improved with a Wi-Fi 7 network.
Here’s what you can expect from a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade and why you’ll be thankful you switched.
What Is Wi-Fi 7? How Is It Different?
The new Wi-Fi 7 promises enhanced speeds and reliability. Intel describes Wi-Fi 7 as having “wired-like responsiveness.” It packs more data into each transmission with 320 MHz channels—double the size of Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 7 arrives at a perfect time, as 4K and 8K streaming becomes even more prevalent. Wi-Fi 7 can easily handle high-quality 8K video streaming, so you can enjoy movie night without buffering and pixelation.
With Wi-Fi 7, users can now download massive 15 GB files in about 25 seconds compared to the one minute it would take over Wi-Fi 6. So whether you’re downloading a new game, a work project, or a folder with thousands of photos, Wi-Fi 7 saves you valuable minutes each time.
How Does Wi-Fi 7 Compare to Wi-Fi 6?
New Frequency Band
Bands are the different frequency ranges used to receive Wi-Fi. Most routers include 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 2.4 GHz bands travel further across your house but are weaker, while 5 GHz bands travel shorter distances but offer much faster speeds.
Wi-Fi 7 adds a new band to your home: 6 GHz. The 6GHz band provides even faster speeds for bandwidth-intensive tasks. We recommend getting a router that’s tri-band, allowing you to use multiple frequency bands at the same time.
More Data Per Transmission
Imagine someone strategically arranging a bookshelf to perfectly fit more books per shelf, rather than haphazardly lining them up. That’s what QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) does, and Wi-Fi 7 is now even better at it. Wi-Fi 6 was built with 1024 QAM, while Wi-Fi 7 now boasts 4096 QAM.
Doubled Data Rates
Wi-Fi 7’s max PC data rates are double Wi-Fi 6’s, accelerating connectivity with ultra-low latency. Now, you’ll share large files in seconds rather than minutes.
When Did We Start Numbering Generations?
Were you unaware that Wi-Fi standards were numbered? Did you miss Wi-Fi 6? You’re not alone. The Wi-Fi Alliance didn’t begin simplifying Wi-Fi generational numbers until 2018.
Prior to 2018, Wi-Fi protocols were referred to by IEEE 802.11 designations. What we would now call “Wi-Fi 1” was originally referred to as 802.11b—sort of like how the Star Wars movies were retroactively named Episode I and so on.
Wi-Fi 7’s full name is technically 802.11be, but to simplify things, the Wi-Fi Alliance now refers to each generation with a simple number.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home Network?
If you’re tired of slow, unresponsive Wi-Fi and weak signals, Texadia Systems can design a comprehensive network that’s customized to your home’s layout and needs.
If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, contact us to begin your Wi-Fi upgrade today!
