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At Utility Networks, we specialise in providing wireless internet solutions that keep pace with the latest technology. With the emergence of Wi-Fi 7, many are asking whether it’s the right time to make the jump or if Wi-Fi 6 still offers everything they need. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two standards and whether the current infrastructure and devices are ready to make the most of Wi-Fi 7’s capabilities.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has been widely adopted over the last few years, offering significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and capacity compared to previous standards. It’s particularly effective in environments with a high density of connected devices, such as businesses, homes with multiple smart devices, and public spaces. The main advantages of Wi-Fi 6 include faster download speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and improved battery life for devices.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), on the other hand, represents a leap forward with features designed for next-generation applications. Some of the key enhancements include:
While Wi-Fi 7 offers exciting potential, the question remains whether today’s infrastructure and devices are ready to fully benefit from these advancements.
Broadband Speeds: Although Wi-Fi 7 can offer incredible speeds, these can only be realised if the internet connection itself can keep up. For many users, the bottleneck isn’t the wireless network but the broadband speed delivered to their premises. Unless internet service providers can offer faster connections, the leap to Wi-Fi 7 might not translate into a noticeable improvement for many.
Device Compatibility: Currently, most devices such as smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices are built to work with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices are just starting to emerge, and it will take time before they become widely available and adopted by consumers. Until that happens, the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 may not be fully realised by the average user.
Router Technology: To use Wi-Fi 7, new routers are required that can support the advanced features of the standard, including wider channels and multi-link operation. These routers will likely be more expensive than current models, and businesses or consumers who have only recently upgraded to Wi-Fi 6 routers may not see an immediate need to invest in Wi-Fi 7 hardware.
Applications and Use Cases: The full potential of Wi-Fi 7 will be seen in data heavy and latency sensitive applications like augmented reality (AR), high-resolution streaming, and remote work environments that require seamless cloud computing. For most current uses, such as video streaming, browsing, and general office tasks, Wi-Fi 6 already provides more than enough speed and capacity.
While Wi-Fi 7 brings impressive improvements on paper, for many users, the immediate need to upgrade might not be as urgent as it seems. Wi-Fi 6 still delivers excellent performance for today’s typical demands, including HD streaming, video calls, and online gaming. The enhanced features of Wi-Fi 7 will become more relevant as new, bandwidth-intensive applications emerge and as internet speeds continue to increase.
For now, upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 may not be necessary for most users, especially if current networks and devices are functioning efficiently with Wi-Fi 6. Businesses and consumers should consider their specific needs before making the investment, as the infrastructure to fully leverage Wi-Fi 7 will take time to become widespread.
Wi-Fi 7 offers a glimpse into the future of wireless connectivity, with its promise of faster speeds, lower latency, and improved capacity. However, the transition to this new standard will depend on broader infrastructure upgrades and the availability of compatible devices. For now, Wi-Fi 6 remains the best choice for most users, offering robust performance that meets today’s needs.
At Utility Networks, we’re here to help you navigate the evolving world of wireless technology and make informed decisions about your network. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your connectivity needs and prepare for the future of wireless internet.
Phone: 0)1275 395 118
Email: sales@utilitynetworks.co.uk
