Although it seemed that the names of WiFi were going to be simplified, since WiFi 6 we have known the announcement of three new wireless connectivity standards: WiFi 6E, WiFi 6 Release 2, and WiFi 7. With WiFi 6E we can use the 6 GHz frequency, while with WiFi 6 Release 2 we have improvements in MU-MIMO to better support the load when many users are connected, as well as reducing energy consumption. However, we are going to see the big jump with WiFi 7.
The WiFi 7 standard ( 802.11be ) is not even finalized yet by the WiFi Alliance , but it is already being thoroughly tested by manufacturers. MediaTek has been the first of all that has managed to make the new standard work in a real environment. And the speeds it reaches are spectacular.
Up to 30 Gbps speed with WiFi 7
With WiFi 5, the maximum speed was 3.5 Gbps, while with WiFi 6 the speed went up to 9.6 Gbps. Now, WiFi 7 will allow us to reach spectacular speeds of up to 30 Gbps . These figures cannot be reached with a single device, but can be reached in aggregate with several devices connected at the same time. MediaTek claims to have already reached 23 Gbps in the first real tests, but that figure will increase soon.
However, there are quite a few improvements for devices that connect individually, as they will be able to achieve higher speeds thanks to the more efficient use of the standard and be able to use all available bands at the same time. MediaTek affirms that this standard will be key in the establishment of 4K and 8K in the home, which need a high bandwidth to be seen without jerks if we are watching content with a high bitrate.
MediaTek is already working with manufacturers, and will be among the first to have WiFi 7 chips . Currently, the company equips its chips in laptops, routers, televisions, cameras, routers and a multitude of Internet of things devices.
Twice as wide channels and better QAM modulation
MediaTek highlights that WiFi 7 offers a multitude of advances with respect to the different iterations of WiFi 6. To begin with, we find improvements in QAM modulation (up to 4096-QAM) to make more efficient use of the available bandwidth . There are also functions such as multi-link operation (MLO), where the same device can connect to several channels at the same time to transmit packets through the fastest and least congested route, also opening the door to simultaneous connections between different access points. .
With WiFi 7 it will also be possible to use 320 MHz channels , compared to 160 MHz of WiFi 6. The number of antennas that each router can use will be the same.
As the standard is not yet finalized, it is difficult to estimate when the first routers and devices compatible with WiFi 7 will arrive. However, MediaTek states that the first devices will be available by 2023 , so in just one year we will be able to enjoy the best wireless standard. Thus, if you are thinking of renewing your network, it might be better to wait until 2023 if you want to have a home prepared for the future.