Wi‑Fi 7, with the technical standard 802.11be, is the new generation of wireless networks that offers better performance than Wi‑Fi 6 and Wi‑Fi 6E by increasing speed, reducing latency, and improving connection stability.
According to Eitna citing Techspot, this technology is designed for heavy applications such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), very-high-definition video streaming, cloud gaming, and connecting a large number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
One of Wi‑Fi 7's most important advancements is support for 320 MHz channels; a width that is twice the maximum channel width in Wi‑Fi 6E. This capability enables the transmission of larger volumes of data in each time interval and is particularly important in the 6 GHz frequency band, which typically faces less interference.
Another key feature is Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Compatible devices can send and receive data simultaneously over the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands instead of using a single frequency band. This feature helps better distribute network traffic and can increase connection stability in crowded environments, such as offices and residential complexes.
Theoretical speeds of Wi‑Fi 7 reach about 46 Gbps, while the maximum theoretical speed of Wi‑Fi 6 is about 9.6 Gbps. Also, 4096‑QAM modulation allows more data to be transmitted per signal. Improvements in beamforming also help steer signals more precisely and increase connection reliability.
Importantly, Wi‑Fi 7 does not use only the 6 GHz band; like previous generations, it also supports the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The 2.4 GHz band is suitable for wider coverage and compatibility with older devices, while the 5 and 6 GHz bands allow achieving higher speeds and lower latency.
Despite the wide availability of compatible routers, laptops, and phones, real-world speed depends on factors such as network equipment, type of internet subscription, distance from the router, and the level of environmental interference. Therefore, Wi‑Fi 7 offers higher capacity, but reaching its maximum speeds also depends on network conditions.