Wi-Fi 7: when is it coming? Everything we know about the latest network technology

What's on the horizon for wireless networking? Well, Wi-Fi 7! What does it bring over previous versions and when will we finally see it? That's what we're here to talk about today. Read on to learn more about this emerging new technology.

Netgear Orbi Wireless Network routers

It seems like Wi-Fi 6 was only released yesterday, and yet Wi-Fi 7 may already be around the corner. Granted, Wi-Fi 6 actually launched in 2019—roughly two years ago.

While many of us hear the news about Wi-Fi 7, some wonder if their networks made it to 6. Chances are that they didn’t. That’s not because there was anything wrong with it. It’s because most people don’t pay a lot of attention to the finer details of their Wi-Fi networks.

Tech enthusiasts and hardcore gamers are among those who understand and appreciate its value. The average person doesn’t notice background tech the way that a person with an old phone notices a newer model.

With that said, what’s the big deal with Wi-Fi 7? What is it, what does it bring to the table, and when is it coming? That’s precisely what we want to take a look at today.

Let’s go ahead and dive into everything we know so far. Plus, we’ll discuss why Wi-Fi 7 just might be worth the upgrade.

What is Wi-Fi 7 and what does it bring to the table?

Not unlike previous versions, Wi-Fi 7 is merely the next evolution of wireless networking. Though we call it by a simpler name, the technical name for this iteration is known as IEEE 802.11be.

It improves on and surpasses the previous Wi-Fi 6 network. For example, one of the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 technology was its ability to handle a larger number of devices with greater efficiency. Wi-Fi 7 enhances this even more and broadens network performance capabilities.

Wi-Fi 7 will also introduce improved techniques that will lessen latency for a variety of common tasks. The multilink operation will benefit users who experience signal interference and higher congestion rates. With new 320 MHz channels and 16 spatial streams, it may provide an uptick in speeds and overall effectiveness.

Why does Wi-Fi 7 matter for those on older networks?

As we point out in this article, the average person just doesn’t care all that much about the nitty-gritty of their Wi-Fi network. If their devices connect to the internet and they aren’t experiencing snail speeds or constant disconnects, they’re probably content to maintain the status quo.

However, the honest truth is that if you run a Wi-Fi 5 network, you’re running decade-old technology. Wi-Fi 7 might not be enough on paper to warrant running out and buying it the moment it’s released, but it’s time to start considering an upgrade if you’re on an older network.

These days, we connect more and more to our home and office networks. As individual devices evolve, so do their demands. In other words, on older equipment, you may begin to experience slower, less stable connections.

Don’t worry though, this isn’t a concern for tomorrow. It’s something to consider as we move through the coming years.

When is Wi-Fi 7 coming and how soon will you need to upgrade?

So the obvious question now is when will Wi-Fi 7 arrive? Well, that isn’t an easy question to answer. Because Wi-Fi 7 is still a long way off from receiving the official title from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, we probably won’t see consumer market adoption for some time.

Even still, Wi-Fi 6E is relatively new. This means there isn’t an official date yet that we can rely on. It could take as many as several years before we see Wi-Fi 7 go mainstream.

In the meantime, if you’re looking to upgrade your older Wi-Fi network, check out routers featuring Wi-Fi 6 support. You can still see network improvements without having to wait for the latest tech.

What do you think about Wi-Fi 7? Let us know in the comments below!