Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Your guide to the future

WI-FI 7 VS WI-FI 6

With the arrival of Wi-Fi 7 just around the corner, there is much buzz around the future of wireless internet. As it stands, Wi-Fi 6 has been the most advanced wireless technology available to date. But just how much better will Wi-Fi 7 be than its predecessor? In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 and the benefits both standards offer, and the key advantages Aussie businesses and consumers alike can expect from Wi-Fi 7.

Understanding Wi-Fi Standards

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) develops and maintains the Wi-Fi standards that allow devices to communicate wirelessly. The Wi-Fi standards are identified by a series of letters and numbers. This combination of letters and numbers is often referred to as IEEE 802.11 followed by the appropriate letter or number combination.

Wi-Fi technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. We use for work, to stream movies, browse the internet, and even control our smart homes. But have you ever wondered how it all works?

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WI-FI GENERATIONS

Wi-Fi technology has evolved over the past few decades. Initially, the standard was 802.11a which allowed for data transmission at a rate of up to 54 Mbps. This was followed by the introduction of standards such as 802.11b and 802.11g, which improved upon the previous standard by increasing the data transmission rate and range of the Wi-Fi signal.

With the introduction of Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), the technology took a significant leap forward. This standard allowed for data transmission rates of up to 600 Mbps and improved the range of the Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) further improved upon this, allowing for data transmission rates of up to 1 Gbps and better performance in high-density environments.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest standard, which was introduced in 2019. Wi-Fi 6 improves upon the previous standards by increasing the data transmission rate to up to 9.6 Gbps and improving performance in high-density environments. It also introduces new technologies such as MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) to further improve the efficiency of the Wi-Fi signal.

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is currently in development and is expected to be released at the beginning of 2024 or even late 2023. This new standard is expected to further improve upon the technology by increasing the data transmission rate and range of the Wi-Fi signal, as well as introducing new technologies to improve the efficiency of the signal.

HOW WI-FI STANDARDS ARE NAMED

The naming convention of Wi-Fi standards is often a combination of letters and numbers in order to designate different generations of Wi-Fi. For example, Wi-Fi 6 is known as 802.11ax, and Wi-Fi 7 is known as 802.11be. The letters and numbers in the naming convention refer to the specific technical specifications of the standard, such as the data transmission rate, frequency band, and modulation scheme.

Understanding Wi-Fi standards is important for anyone who uses wireless technology. By understanding the different generations of Wi-Fi and their capabilities, you can make informed decisions when purchasing Wi-Fi-enabled devices and ensure that you are getting the best possible performance from your Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi 6: An Overview

Wi-Fi 6 is the current wireless technology, released in 2019. It has been a significant improvement over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5. Wi-Fi 6 utilizes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) which allows devices to communicate more efficiently. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 supports speeds up to 9.6 Gbps.

OFDMA is a key feature of Wi-Fi 6 that enables multiple devices to share the same channel at the same time, reducing network congestion and improving overall network efficiency. This is particularly useful in high-density environments where there are many devices competing for network resources.

Another important feature of Wi-Fi 6 is MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output), which allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously, rather than having to take turns. This helps to improve network performance and reduce latency, particularly in environments with many connected devices.

KEY FEATURES OF WI-FI 6

The key features of Wi-Fi 6 include improved efficiency, higher speeds, and increased device capacity. Additionally, there is improved security through the WPA3 protocol.

WPA3 is the latest security protocol for wireless networks, providing stronger encryption and better protection against hacking and other security threats. This is particularly important in today's world where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common.

BENEFITS OF WI-FI 6

The benefits of Wi-Fi 6 include reduced latency, improved streaming capabilities, and better connectivity in high-density environments such as airports and stadiums.

Reduced latency is particularly important for applications such as online gaming and video conferencing, where even small delays can have a significant impact on performance. With Wi-Fi 6, latency is significantly reduced, providing a smoother and more seamless experience.

Improved streaming capabilities are also a key benefit of Wi-Fi 6, with support for higher resolution video and faster download speeds. This is particularly useful for streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube, where users expect high-quality video and fast streaming speeds.

At Landmark Computers, we offer a wide range of quality Wi-Fi 6 devices, whether that be Wi-Fi 6 routers or access points, or the latest laptops that feature Wi-Fi 6E AX211 wireless.

REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS OF WI-FI 6

In addition to computers, smartphones and medical devices, Wi-Fi 6 has also been adopted in a variety of other applications, including smart homes, smart cities, and industrial IoT (Internet of Things) applications. With its improved efficiency, higher speeds, and increased device capacity, Wi-Fi 6 has revolutionised the way we connect and communicate in the digital age.

Introducing Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless standard currently in development. It is expected to be released in early 2024 and is expected to be a significant improvement over Wi-Fi 6.

With the increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 is expected to be a game-changer in the world of wireless technology. It promises to offer faster speeds, better connectivity, and improved efficiency, making it the perfect choice for the modern digital age.

KEY FEATURES OF WI-FI 7

Wi-Fi 7 will have improved speeds up to 46 Gbps, utilizing even more advanced OFDMA technology. This means that users will be able to enjoy lightning-fast download and upload speeds, allowing for seamless streaming and browsing experiences.

Additionally, it will support better communication between devices through the use of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology. This technology allows for multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously, resulting in faster and more efficient data transfer.

Another key feature of Wi-Fi 7 is its ability to support a larger number of devices on a network. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), this is becoming increasingly important, as more and more devices require internet connectivity.

BENEFITS OF WI-FI 7

The benefits of Wi-Fi 7 will be numerous. Faster download and upload speeds mean that users will be able to stream high-quality video content without any buffering or lag. Improved streaming capabilities will also allow for smoother video conferencing and online gaming experiences.

In addition, the increased capacity for devices on a network means that users will be able to connect more devices to the internet without experiencing any slowdowns or connectivity issues. This is particularly important in the workplace, where multiple devices need to be connected to the internet at the same time.

EXPECTED REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS OF WI-FI 7

This is where things get really interesting according to our networking experts at Landmark Computers. As with each new generation of wireless, there will be an increased focus on reliability and speed. Wi-Fi 7 will be able to support advancements in technology such as autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.

Autonomous vehicles will require fast and reliable internet connectivity in order to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure, making Wi-Fi 7 an ideal choice for this application.

Similarly, the Internet of Things will require many devices to be connected to the internet simultaneously. Wi-Fi 7's increased capacity for devices on a network will make it the perfect choice for this application as well.

Manufacturers can use Wi-Fi 7 to improve efficiency in their manufacturing operations, like using Wi-Fi 7 to connect sensors and machines, automating tasks, and collecting data in real time.

Healthcare providers can use Wi-Fi 7 to improve the quality of care, by being able to connect multiple medical devices, transmit patient data in real time, and provide remote consultations and even surgeries.

Retailers can utilise Wi-Fi 7 to improve the customer experience in store by providing real-time product information as well as personalisation.

Wi-Fi 7 will provide a reliable and high-speed connection for remote workers, without experiencing network bottlenecks like we did during the covid pandemic.

If you are a gamer, Wi-Fi 7 will be a game changer. You will get a low-latency gaming experience with no noticeable lag between your actions and the game’s response, for a truly immersive gaming experience!

Thanks to Wi-Fi 7, streaming 4K content will be norm, with easy streaming on 4K videos without buffering or lag on multiple devices within a household. Your kids will be able to stream high-quality 4K Wiggles videos, while your watch 4K Footy live and your Mrs binges on her favourite Netflix show, even in the evening peak.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will take off and offer new experiences to more people, thanks to Wi-Fi 7’s support for the high bandwidth requirements of VR and AR.

As you can see, the real-world applications of Wi-Fi 7 are truly exciting and almost limitless!

Comparing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7

While Wi-Fi 7 is still in the final stages of development, it's interesting to compare it with the current technology of Wi-Fi 6. Let's take a look at some of the key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.

SPEED AND PERFORMANCE

Wi-Fi 6 was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 7 is expected to take that performance to the next level. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to provide faster speeds with a potential of up to 46 Gbps, which is more than 4 times faster than the potential speed of Wi-Fi 6, which can provide up to 9.6 Gbps. Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 will have improved performance through the use of MIMO technology, which stands for Multiple Input Multiple Output. This technology allows for multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously, resulting in faster and more efficient data transfer.

RANGE AND COVERAGE

Both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are expected to provide similar coverage and range. However, Wi-Fi 7 is expected to utilise beamforming technology for more accurate fine-tuning of network coverage. Beamforming technology allows the router to focus the wireless signal directly at the device, rather than broadcasting the signal in all directions. This results in stronger and more reliable connections.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

There is an increased focus on energy efficiency with each new generation of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to use less energy than Wi-Fi 6, which will likely translate to energy savings for consumers. This is achieved through the use of Target Wake Time (TWT) technology, which allows devices to schedule when they wake up to receive data. This reduces the amount of time that devices spend actively transmitting and receiving data, resulting in less energy usage.

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY

As a new technology, and like previous standards, Wi-Fi 7 will be backward compatible. However, to take advantage of improved performance and higher speeds, you will need to upgrade your devices. That means buying new phones, laptops, TV’s as well as routers and access points.

BRANDS THAT ARE LIKELY TO BE LEADERS IN WI-FI 7:

  • Aruba Networks: Aruba Networks is a leading provider of Wi-Fi solutions for businesses and is expected to be a major player in the Wi-Fi 7 market. The company has a strong focus on innovation and is likely to release Wi-Fi 7 products that are both affordable and easy to use.
  • Broadcom: Broadcom is a leading supplier of Wi-Fi chips and has been a major player in the Wi-Fi market for many years. The company is expected to be one of the first to release Wi-Fi 7 chips and is likely to be a major supplier to the Wi-Fi 7 market.
  • Cisco: Cisco is a leading provider of networking solutions and is expected to be one of the first to release Wi-Fi 7 products for businesses. The company has a strong track record of innovation and is likely to release Wi-Fi 7 products that are both powerful and reliable.
  • D-Link: D-Link is a leading provider of networking solutions and is expected to be a major player in the Wi-Fi 7 market. The company has a strong focus on affordability and is likely to release Wi-Fi 7 products that are both affordable and reliable.
  • Intel: Intel is a major supplier of Wi-Fi chips for laptops and other devices. The company is expected to release Wi-Fi 7 chips for laptops and other devices in 2024.
  • Netgear: Netgear is a leading manufacturer of networking equipment and is expected to be a major player in the Wi-Fi 7 market. The company has a strong focus on innovation and is likely to release Wi-Fi 7 products that are both affordable and easy to use.
  • Qualcomm: Qualcomm is another major supplier of Wi-Fi chips and is also expected to be a major player in the Wi-Fi 7 market. The company has a strong track record of innovation in the Wi-Fi space and is likely to be a major supplier of Wi-Fi 7 chips to smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
  • TP-Link: TP-Link is a leading manufacturer of networking equipment and is expected to be a major player in the Wi-Fi 7 market. The company has a strong focus on affordability and is likely to release Wi-Fi 7 products that are both affordable and reliable.
  • Ubiquiti: Ubiquiti is a leading provider of networking solutions and is expected to be a major player in the Wi-Fi 7 market. The company has a strong focus on innovation and is likely to release Wi-Fi 7 products that are both affordable and easy to use.

Closing remarks

To quickly sum it all up, WiFi 7 is expected to be a significant improvement over WiFi 6, with faster speeds, increased efficiency, and improved performance. However, it will likely take several years for WiFi 7 to become widely available and adopted. Currently, WiFi 6 provides an improved wireless experience for consumers and businesses, with faster speeds and better connectivity in high-density environments.

At Landmark Computers, we eagerly await the arrival of Wifi 7. As Australia's leading SMB IT Specialist, you can rest assured that we will have a wide range of wifi7 devices available as soon as they are rolled out by all the big brands. For more information on networking and all your computing needs, get in touch with Landmark Computers - Melbourne's most trusted IT store since 1994!