IEEE 802.11be, dubbed Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is a wireless networking standard in the IEEE 802.11 set of protocols which is designated Wi-Fi 7 by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
It has built upon 802.11ax, focusing on WLAN indoor and outdoor operation with stationary and pedestrian speeds in the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz frequency bands.
Throughput is believed to reach a theoretical maximum of 46 Gbit/s, although actual results are much lower.
Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, is the latest advancement in wireless networking technology, offering significant improvements over previous standards.
Key Features of Wi-Fi 7:
Enhanced Speed and Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 supports channel widths up to 320 MHz, doubling the capacity of Wi-Fi 6E’s 160 MHz channels. This expansion allows for higher data throughput, accommodating more devices with increased efficiency.
4K Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM): By utilizing 4096-QAM, Wi-Fi 7 can transmit more data per signal, resulting in a 20% increase in theoretical transmission rates compared to Wi-Fi 6’s 1024-QAM.
Multi-Link Operation (MLO): This feature enables devices to connect across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously, enhancing connection stability and reducing latency.
Availability and Device Support:
As of November 2024, Wi-Fi 7 is gaining traction in the consumer market. Several manufacturers have introduced Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices:
Apple: The iPhone 16 series supports Wi-Fi 7, offering users faster wireless connectivity.
Asus: The company has released Wi-Fi 7 routers, such as the ROG Rapture GT-BE19000, designed to deliver high-speed connections for gaming and other demanding applications.
EE: The UK-based operator plans to launch the Smart Hub Pro router with Wi-Fi 7 support, aiming to provide customers with enhanced internet speeds and reliability.
Considerations for Adoption:
While Wi-Fi 7 offers substantial benefits, its full potential is realized when both routers and connected devices support the standard. Early adopters may experience limited device compatibility initially, but broader support is expected as more manufacturers integrate Wi-Fi 7 into their products.
Development of the 802.11be amendment is ongoing, with an initial draft in March 2021, and a final version expected by the end of 2024.
Despite this, numerous products were announced in 2022 based on draft standards, with retail availability in early 2023. On 8 January 2024, the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced its Wi-Fi Certified 7 program to certify Wi-Fi 7 devices. While final ratification is not expected until the end of 2024, the technical requirements are essentially complete, and as of February 2024 there are already products labeled as Wi‑Fi 7.
In summary, Wi-Fi 7 represents a significant leap in wireless networking, providing faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved capacity. As more devices become compatible, users can expect enhanced performance for activities such as streaming, gaming, and data-intensive applications.