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Wi-Fi 7: Do We Really Need a New Wi-Fi Standard?

11.02.2025

At a time when many companies are still adopting Wi-Fi 6, the emergence of Wi-Fi 7 raises valid questions about its necessity. To understand the value of this development, it’s essential to analyze where it delivers tangible benefits—and where an upgrade might be premature.

The wireless connectivity landscape is evolving rapidly. Increasing digitalization of work environments, the spread of data-intensive applications, and the need to manage more and more wireless devices are pushing current standards to their structural limits.

Wi-Fi 6 brought major improvements in multi-device management, but Wi-Fi 7 goes a step further with specific technical innovations. The key feature is Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows multiple frequency bands to be used simultaneously. In certain scenarios, this translates into real advantages.

Improved communication predictability

While Wi-Fi 7 cannot offer the absolute determinism of wired networks, it provides significant improvements in the predictability of communication processes. By using multiple channels at once, MLO can reduce response time fluctuations: if one channel is affected by interference, data can be rerouted through alternative channels, minimizing unexpected delays.

The implementation of Wi-Fi 7 becomes particularly relevant in the following scenarios:

High-density environments with many devices:

  • Commercial spaces with numerous sensors and IoT devices

  • Production areas with distributed monitoring systems

  • Environments where device mobility is critical

Applications with high bandwidth demands:

  • Professional multi-camera video streaming

  • High-resolution surveillance systems

  • Industrial augmented reality applications

It’s important to clarify: for use cases that require absolute determinism—such as synchronized controls in industrial robotics or safety-critical systems—wired networks remain irreplaceable. Wi-Fi 7 is a valuable enhancement, but not a replacement.

When should you consider upgrading?

Switching to Wi-Fi 7 is worthwhile in contexts where:

  • Flexibility and mobility are key priorities

  • Multiple types of wireless traffic must be efficiently managed

  • Frequent reconfiguration of spaces makes fixed cabling impractical

  • The density of wireless devices pushes the limits of current standards

Wi-Fi 7 is a significant advancement that addresses real market needs. However, the decision to implement it should be based on a careful analysis of the specific context, operational requirements, and tangible benefits the technology can provide.

The key lies in thoroughly assessing your technological infrastructure, operational needs, and business goals to determine if and when the transition to Wi-Fi 7 brings real added value.

Key Features of Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 can reach speeds of up to 46 Gbps, with an expected latency of less than 5 ms, thanks to advanced technologies such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO). By comparison, Wi-Fi 6 offers a maximum of 9.6 Gbps, with latencies between 8 and 12 ms—an improvement over previous standards, but still higher than Wi-Fi 7's targets.

On the wired side, Ethernet CAT 8 delivers up to 40 Gbps over distances up to 30 meters, while CAT 7 supports 10 Gbps over up to 100 meters, with negligible latency—typically under 1 ms.

However, in daily use, these figures take on a different meaning, especially in the context of wireless connections. Wi-Fi is subject to physical limitations, regardless of generation. The laws of physics remain unchanged: higher frequencies allow greater bandwidth but reduce signal penetration.

The best solution depends on environmental analysis and operational requirements:

  • Wi-Fi 7 is ideal for environments with high device density and mobile endpoints.

  • Ethernet is unbeatable for critical point-to-point connections requiring absolute determinism.

  • Wi-Fi 6 remains more than sufficient for most business applications.

Pragmatic View: Hybrid Solutions as the Key

In practice, the optimal setup is often a mix of wireless and wired technologies. It’s not just about peak speed—it’s about which technology best fits the specific use case, taking into account distances, obstacles, and stability requirements.

The decision should not rely solely on raw performance figures, but on a balanced evaluation of operational needs and technical characteristics. Expert consulting can support the decision-making process and ensure a targeted, efficient investment.

Wi-Fi 7: Implementation in a Smart Building

The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 brings specific implementation challenges. Once the technology’s potential is understood, it becomes critical to analyze how it can be effectively integrated into the existing infrastructure.

Before considering the deployment of Wi-Fi 7, the current technological ecosystem must be carefully mapped. This includes:

  • Inventory of the existing network infrastructure

  • Analysis of performance and usage patterns

The evaluation of current network performance should not rely solely on raw technical specifications, but also on actual usage. In a commercial building, for example, 70% of data traffic might be concentrated in specific areas during peak times. This information is crucial for efficient network planning.

Practical experience shows that implementation should occur in three critical phases:

  1. Assessment – Detailed analysis of the existing infrastructure and usage patterns

  2. Pilot project – Implementation in a limited area to validate benefits and ROI

  3. Scaling – Gradual rollout based on measured results

Key technical considerations

Planning must address three essential aspects:

  • Coexistence with existing Wi-Fi networks → Requires precise frequency planning

  • Interference management → Careful placement of access points is necessary

  • Capacity planning → Must be designed around peak usage, not averages

The key to success lies in continuous performance monitoring and adjusting the implementation according to real-world outcomes, rather than relying solely on theoretical specifications.

Conclusion
Successful Wi-Fi 7 implementation requires detailed planning and a methodical approach. Success depends not only on the technology itself but on the ability to seamlessly integrate it into the existing ecosystem while accounting for the specific needs of the environment and its users.