5 reasons Wi-Fi 7 is a game changer for connectivity

Wi-Fi technology is constantly evolving, and the latest leap forward is Wi-Fi 7. Here's a breakdown of why Wi-Fi 7 is a significant upgrade over Wi-Fi 6 and how it can transform connectivity experiences.  

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is the name given by the Wi-Fi Alliance to devices that meet the IEEE 802.11be standard, set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Designed to provide unprecedented speeds, lower latency and increased data density, Wi-Fi 7 represents the next generation of wireless technology and is addressing the growing demands of modern connectivity.

The motivation behind Wi-Fi 7’s development is to support the ever-increasing number of devices and applications that require reliable, high-speed internet connections. This includes everything from smart home devices and IoT to high-definition video streaming and real-time gaming.

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The benefits speak volumes

• Blazing-fast speeds: Wi-Fi 7 takes speed to a whole new level. Where Wi-Fi 6E reaches a maximum theoretical speed of 9.6 Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 supports speeds of up to 46 Gbps, which is almost five times faster! This dramatic increase in speed means faster downloads, smoother streaming and more efficient data transfers, making it ideal for data-intensive applications.
• Enhanced frequency bands: Both Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 operate across three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. However, Wi-Fi 7 is enabled by Extremely High Throughput (EHT) leveraging these bands to deliver its high-speed capabilities. This advancement ensures more reliable connections and higher performance, even in congested environments.
• Reduced latency: Lower latency is a standout feature of Wi-Fi 7. The reduction in latency is crucial for real-time applications such as videoconferencing, online gaming and virtual reality. By minimizing delays, Wi-Fi 7 provides a more responsive and immersive experience.
• Increased data density with 4096-QAM: Wi-Fi 7 uses 4096-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation, a modulation technique used in telecommunications to transmit data), compared with the 1024-QAM used by Wi-Fi 6E. This technology allows Wi-Fi 7 to transmit more data in each signal, enhancing the overall data throughput and making the network more efficient.
• Improved reliability and capacity: With Wi-Fi 7, networks can handle more simultaneous connections without compromising performance, ensuring a seamless and robust connectivity experience. This makes it perfect for high-density campus environments.

Who should consider upgrading to Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7’s advanced features can benefit a range of users and environments:

• Enterprises with high-density environments: Large offices, conference centers and stadiums often experience congestion due to numerous devices connecting simultaneously. Corporate headquarters with multiple floors, bustling conference venues hosting international summits, and sports arenas during major events can all benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s increased capacity and efficiency, ensuring seamless connectivity for all users.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics require reliable high-speed connectivity to support a multitude of connected medical devices and applications. Wi-Fi 7 can ensure seamless and secure connections for critical healthcare applications, telemedicine services and patient monitoring systems, improving overall care.
• Retail environments: Retailers need robust and efficient connectivity to manage inventory systems, customer Wi-Fi and point-of-sale (POS) systems. Large shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets can leverage Wi-Fi 7 to improve customer experiences and streamline operations with faster, more reliable connections.
• IoT-driven organizations: Manufacturing, logistics and smart buildings rely heavily on efficient and secure IoT connectivity. Smart factories with automated production lines, warehouses using IoT for inventory management, and intelligent building systems that control lighting, HVAC and security can all leverage Wi-Fi 7’s improved efficiency and robust security features.
• Organizational AI and data-intensive applications: Organizations using analytics, machine learning and automation require high-speed data transfer and low latency. Examples include tech firms running complex AI algorithms, financial institutions conducting real-time data analysis, and research labs processing large datasets for scientific discoveries. Wi-Fi 7 meets their critical requirements, enabling real-time data processing and AI training, significantly boosting productivity and innovation.

Why isn’t everyone upgrading to Wi-Fi 7?

One of the primary considerations is the cost and infrastructure involved in upgrading. Replacing existing hardware to accommodate Wi-Fi 7 can be expensive. The market for Wi-Fi 7 client devices is also still evolving, which limits options for compatibility and adoption.

The complexity of migration further complicates adoption, necessitating careful planning to minimize disruptions and potential downtime during the transition phase.

Many organizations are also choosing to maximize their existing infrastructure before committing to an upgrade. While Wi-Fi 7 promises impressive theoretical speeds, actual performance may vary significantly. Factors such as distance, interference and device capabilities can affect their ability to achieve these maximum speeds immediately.

These considerations underscore the importance of a strategic approach to Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrades. Organizations should assess their needs, weigh the costs and benefits, and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and effective transition to Wi-Fi 7 when the time is right.

NTT DATA and HPE Aruba Networking help organizations get up to speed

NTT DATA and HPE Aruba Networking are helping clients to integrate Wi-Fi 7 into their networks, enhancing connectivity and addressing critical challenges.

To ensure a smooth integration and maximize the technology’s value, we work with our clients to identify key use cases for Wi-Fi 7 and implement a phased adoption strategy. We ensure seamless integration with their current network infrastructure, including Wi-Fi 6 and earlier versions and 5G. This allows our clients to upgrade without disrupting their operations.

Our flexible network design and scalable architecture help organizations to quickly adapt to changing requirements, maintaining their competitiveness, while robust network security and privacy measures protect sensitive data and ensure rapid responses to disruptions and cyberattacks, guaranteeing secure operations.

Location services with HPE Aruba Networking

HPE Aruba Networking’s Wi-Fi 7 adoption includes location services. These services enhance the overall user experience by providing accurate indoor positioning and enabling various use cases such as asset tracking, wayfinding and personalized experiences on an organization’s premises.

When powered by Wi-Fi 7, these location services offer significant value, especially when integrated with HPE Aruba Networking’s ecosystem. This integration ensures seamless management, security and analytics across the network by combining HPE Aruba Networking’s location services with its networking solutions, IoT and edge-computing expertise. Organizations can leverage precise indoor positioning for IoT use cases and optimize workflows.

Explore your options with the experts

Wi-Fi 7 isn’t just another upgrade; it’s a strategic enhancement for future-proof connectivity. Embracing Wi-Fi 7 is expected to set organizations up for unparalleled performance and reliability, and working with experts in the field will help you to plan and budget for the transition successfully.

The NTT DATA and HPE Aruba Networking collaboration delivers exceptional user experiences with lightning-fast connectivity, supporting high-performance applications on advanced network technologies.