The long-awaited Wi-Fi 7 Ready certification has been officially announced by the Wi-Fi Alliance, paving the way for a new era in wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi 7 standard, also known as IEEE 802.11be, is set to revolutionize the way we experience internet connectivity on our devices. This cutting-edge standard is a significant leap forward from Wi-Fi 6E, promising faster speeds and improved efficiency.
The first device set to embrace Wi-Fi 7 is the eagerly anticipated Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone, scheduled to make its debut in just a week. This marks the beginning of a wave of modern devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, TVs, and routers, that will soon adopt the Wi-Fi 7 standard.
In terms of specifications, Wi-Fi 7 boasts an impressive 46Gbps throughput, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor’s 9.6Gbps. Operating on 2.5GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz data bands, this new standard aims to alleviate congestion, deliver higher speeds, and ensure reliable connectivity for users.
Key features of Wi-Fi 7 include the introduction of 320 MHz channels (available in countries supporting the 6 GHz band), ultra-wide channels for multigigabit device speeds, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous data transmission over multiple links, and 4K QAM for 20% higher transmission rates than 1024 QAM.
Other noteworthy additions include 512 Compressed block-ack for improved efficiency, Multiple RUs to a single STA to enhance spectrum efficiency, and Triggered Uplink Access for latency-sensitive streams. Emergency Preparedness Communication Services (EPCS) ensure a seamless National Security & Emergency Preparedness (NSEP) service experience while maintaining service quality in Wi-Fi access networks.
While Wi-Fi 7 is now available for some devices, global adoption will take time. Kevin Robinson, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance, emphasized the transformative nature of Wi-Fi 7, stating, “This certification underscores our relentless commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that redefines the way users experience Wi-Fi, providing faster speeds, improved efficiency, and increased reliability.”
Source: Wi-Fi Alliance
