(855) 771-3154
From WiFi 5 to WiFi 6, and now the latest generation, WiFi 7, we’ve come a long way in upgrading WiFi technology to achieve improved internet speed and performance. Each generation represents a new standard with great improvements. However, is this latest standard ‘necessary’ and ‘worth investing in’? This blog will explain all about WiFi 7 and will decide whether this latest standard is worth the upgrade or not. Let’s get started:
What Is WiFi 7?
Also known as the 7th generation of WiFi, WiFi 7 is the latest WiFi communication standard launched by IEEE 802.11be. Technically speaking, WiFi 7 surpasses its predecessors based on the powerful features that it brings, including:
- Max internet speed of up to 46 Gbps (theoretical)
- 320 MHz channel width, double that of WiFi 6e (160 MHz)
- Uses tri-band technology for maximum coverage (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz)
- Under ideal conditions, it has ≤ 1ms latency
- Higher modulation rate up to 4096 QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) compared to previous generations
The important elements of the upgrades with WiFi 7 include speed, coverage, and communication. The ultra-wide channel width of 320 MHz allows WiFi 7 to transfer more data through the connection, resulting in a larger bandwidth for a network.
Unlike previous generations, it also uses an increased QAM value, which makes it easier to convert digital signals and send them over the network faster than its predecessors. However, the crown jewel of WiFi 7 is the Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
What is Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in WiFi 7?
Previous generations with multi-band access lacked one important feature: the MLO, which makes WiFi 7 incredible. It comes with the ability to communicate through 3 frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, using MLO.
The way this works is that whenever your network gets congested with traffic, resulting in choking, the WiFi 7 automatically switches to a less-choked frequency. The MLO enables WiFi 7 devices to switch between the bands in real-time.
Resultantly, you get lowered latency, fewer connection drops, and enhanced raw speed performance, making your internet experience an absolute breeze. If you’re thinking of renting or buying a new gateway, it’s one of the reasons why choosing a WiFi 7 is a sound decision.
WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 7: The Real Comparison
Let’s take a look at how WiFi 7 competes with its predecessors, including WiFi 5 and WiFi 6:
| WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 2014 | 2019 | 2024 |
| Bands Supported | 5 GHz only | 2.4, 5 GHz | 2.4, 5, 6 GHz |
| Max Channel Width | 160 MHz | 160 MHz | 320 MHz |
| Modulation | 256 QAM | 1024 QAM | 4096 QAM |
| MLO | No | No | Yes |
| Security Standard | WPA2 | WPA2 | WPA3 |
| Top Speed | 3.5 – 4.9 Gbps | Up to 9.6 Gbps | Up to 46 Gbps |
| Best for | Basic browsing, HD streaming | Multi-device homes | High Bandwidth and low-latency performance |
The one thing to note here is the difference between the performance of WiFi 6 and WiFi 7. Even though WiFi 7 clearly offers a higher top speed, WiFi 6 is still the widely used standard because of its efficiency in managing higher traffic. However, with wide application, WiFi 7 will eventually replace it because of MLO technology.
Benefits of WiFi 7
Let’s dive into the benefits of using WiFi 7 technology for gateways:
Enhanced Gaming Experience
Since the WiFi 7 technology minimizes lag and latency, it’s an ideal choice for running games. No more lag spikes, especially during online gaming, since WiFi 7 switches to the ideal band instead of stalling.
With latency as low as 1 ms, you can expect absolute real-time performance even on choked gaming servers. It also works best for games that require real-time cloud performance for syncing profiles.
However, the attractive feature about WiFi 7 is its ability to run games and stream at the same time. You don’t have to sacrifice additional connected devices to stream your games online. Compared to WiFi 6 technology, this delivers more ‘consistent’ performance.
Allows Seamless Streaming
While WiFi 6 runs 4K streaming smoothly, you can expect WiFi 7 to run 8K streams easily. What’s more amazing is that users can also run a 4K stream while putting an 8K one on buffering, and the network won’t budge.
Local stream transfers for high-end video quality don’t face crashes since the network quality is improved and transfers data without disconnection.
Supports Smart Home Connectivity
Perhaps one of the best large-scale uses of WiFi 7 for home internet is its application in running smart home devices. Minimal latency and congestion-proofing run smart devices efficiently without affecting other connected devices.
Moreover, the switching of bands improves coverage as well, removing barriers and limitations to connecting smart devices in corridors. Lower congestion runs devices smoothly without hogging the internet speed for gaming, streaming, or remote working.
Should You Upgrade to WiFi 7? Real-World Recommendations
The real question is: do you really need a WiFi 7 gateway, and should you rent or buy it as an upgrade for your home internet? Let’s take a look:
| Stay with WiFi 6/ Existing Gateway If: | Upgrade to a WiFi 7 Gateway If: |
|---|---|
Your current internet speed is ≤ 500 Mbps. Most of your devices/ ecosystem have WiFi 6 devices. You use the internet for browsing, casual streaming, and least-intensive remote work. You have around 1-5 devices. You don’t have the budget to upgrade. | You have a gigabit internet connection. You own WiFi 7 compatible devices. You do internet-intensive work, game, and stream online in 4K or above. You have more than 10 devices, including smart devices. You have the budget to upgrade. |
Based on the above, it’s better to stay with the standard WiFi 6 gateways. However, if you’re looking to upgrade your tech, you can go for a WiFi 6e gateway. Moreover, WiFi 7 gateways are not cheap, and if you don’t have real-time applications for it, it can derail your budget.
Gateway Upgrade Considerations
If you do plan on upgrading your network with a WiFi 7 gateway, consider the following suggestions before for selection:
- Device Compatibility: If your current devices don’t support WiFi 7 technology, buying a WiFi 7 gateway will be futile. You need to upgrade to compatible devices first before upgrading your gateway.
- Checking Band Support: When checking compatibility, ensure that the devices are also tri-band supported and can run 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands.
- Don’t Chase the Speed: Although manufacturers have claimed up to 46 Gbps speeds on a WiFi 7 gateway, this is just theoretical. Check for MLO support, 320 MHz channel width, and WPA3 security when buying one.
- Check for Firmware Updates: WiFi 7 architecture is still maturing and would require constant updates. Make sure you check for years of updates (how many years the model will get its security updates) before picking one.
- Backward Compatibility: In case you haven’t upgraded the devices you use, ensure that the WiFi gateway you’re picking has a backward compatibility option as well. This will ensure your network still runs, just not with WiFi 7 performance.
The Bottom Line
WiFi 7 is a step forward with better speeds, minimal to no latency, and improved coverage. Its application is still developing, which is why WiFi 6 is still largely used by internet providers. However, upgrading to one is clearly an optimal choice if you’re looking for unbound internet performance. Buy one yourself, considering the compatibility parameters, or reach out to your internet provider for an upgrade.
FAQs
Does WiFi 7 have better wall penetration?
Although real-life speeds are actually lower for every WiFi standard, WiFi 7 still has better signal penetration due to the 6 GHz frequency band.
Is WiFi 6 still better than WiFi 7?
In all honesty, WiFi 6 is still an applicable choice due to its wide-scale applications, compatibility benefits, and affordability.
Is WiFi 7 harmful to humans?
No, there are no health risks or exposures from the RF waves emitted from WiFi 7 gateways.
