FROM THE INDUSTRY
For the future-connectivity of mission- critical systems such as 4K/8K CCTV, a stable connection is of course paramount, and it needn’t be a hard-wired connection in the future. Equipping a 4K/8K camera with Wi-Fi 7 could mean mitigating interference at a moments’ notice; by dynamically switching bands using MLO, the camera avoids interference and contention (which can lead to packet loss or a disconnect). This quick channel switching could mean the difference between capturing vital footage vs. Wi-Fi drop-outs causing loss of images. So when your neighbour helps themselves to your prized veg, you’ll catch them in the act with high-res imagery! Until 8K CCTV becomes widespread though, stick a lock on your greenhouse door.
the handful of pre-certified routers currently available today are naturally, very expensive. And enjoying the benefits of a Wi-Fi 7 router also means upgrading the clients connecting to it. Few users are likely to replace a perfectly serviceable laptop just to take advantage of a new Wi-Fi standard. High-end smartphones, PCs, and tablets are expected to lead the way with Wi-Fi 7, an example being the Samsung S24 Ultra. The Wi-Fi Alliance is anticipating that 233 million Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices will enter the market this year, rising to 2.1 billion by 2028 with mass-market adoption. But let’s assume that much of the market will continue with Wi-Fi 6 devices for quite some time yet - adoption of Wi-Fi 7 in mid-range devices will be gradual. ISPs who choose to utilise this gradual uptake as an opportunity to calmly assess the options for Wi-Fi 7 CPE (and not jump feet-first into adopting the ‘best-available’ Wi-Fi 7 capable router right-now), will find they have more choice of hardware and supported platforms by early 2025. Do Subscribers Need Wi-Fi 7 now? Is there a demand right now and will there be in the next 12 months, for widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 7 routers in every home? Understanding subscribers’ current needs and pain-points is helpful in answering this question.
Here is a little more detail:
Higher Speeds:
The theoretical ‘top speed’ for Wi-Fi 7 is 46.4Gbps; a fourfold increase on what was previously possible. Real-world results are around 5.8Gbps for a Wi-Fi 7-capable client, - still 2.4x faster than Wi- Fi 6/6E. Impressive!
Better frequency management in the home/office:
Wi-Fi 7 introduces ‘Multi-Link Operation’ (MLO). Wi-Fi 7 devices can now utilise 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz to quickly switch frequency, and transmit on a band/channel with less interference, at a moments’ notice. The benefit here will be lower latency, lower packet-loss, and increased reliability. Note that not all devices will support 6GHz.
Still in the Starting Blocks
As with the life-cycle of every Wi-Fi standard developed so far, the successful application of Wi-Fi 7’s benefits is dependent on widespread adoption of the technology in broadband and consumer devices. A key factor in adoption, will be the point at which Wi-Fi 7 becomes more affordable. Currently it sits at the ‘bleeding-edge’ of technology and the price-point is naturally higher. The industry is still in the early stages with Wi-Fi 7.
For context, here are some examples of MLO in action:
For gamers, it will be about lowering latency and reducing packet-loss. The Wi-Fi 7 client (a VR headset) experiences interference, makes a quick assessment and switches to a cleaner frequency space and disaster (lag) is averted! The gamer survives his encounter with the online adversary and doesn’t have to scream in frustration at his TV for thinking he fired first, eventually realising he didn’t.
The Wi-Fi Alliance only began certifying Wi-Fi 7 devices in January 2024 and
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Volume 46 No.1 March 2024
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