Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it?

With promises of faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced capacity, Wi-Fi 7 presents intriguing possibilities. But is Wi-Fi 7 worth it?

Readers will learn:

• What Wi-Fi 7 is and how it improves upon its predecessors
• Some of Wi-Fi’s potential drawbacks
• Reasons a business may want to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7
• How Wi-Fi 7 fares against wired connections
• Things businesses should consider before looking to upgrade
• How Meter provides long-term solutions

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, officially known as IEEE 802.11be or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is the next leap in wireless networking technology. It's designed to offer significantly faster speeds, more bandwidth, and reduced latency compared to previous generations like Wi-Fi 6 and 6E.

Key features include:

• 320 MHz channels: Doubling bandwidth capacity from Wi-Fi 6, these channels promise faster data transmission.
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): This feature allows devices to connect simultaneously across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), potentially boosting performance while reducing interference.
• 4K-QAM: Quadrature amplitude modulation, or QAM, enhances the data rate, enabling faster speeds as long as the device is compatible.

How does Wi-Fi 7 improve on Wi-Fi 6 and 6E?

Wi-Fi 7 significantly raises the bar in performance and efficiency over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, delivering benefits across multiple aspects of network operation.

Faster speeds and enhanced bandwidth

One of the standout improvements is the use of 320 MHz channels—double the size of Wi-Fi 6’s 160 MHz channels. The expanded bandwidth allows for more data to be transmitted simultaneously, driving speeds to theoretical peaks of 46.1 Gbps.

Coupled with 4K-QAM modulation, Wi-Fi 7 can push more data through each signal. The improvement in modulation means each transmission carries more information, resulting in faster communication, particularly for high-bandwidth tasks like large file transfers, streaming, or cloud-based applications.

The practical impact of this is a reduction in time spent waiting for data-heavy operations. For example, companies that rely on extensive data sets, like those in media production or data analytics, will experience fewer bottlenecks during peak usage.

Multi-link operation for high-density environments

Wi-Fi 7 also excels in environments that require support for many devices simultaneously. The introduction of Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows devices to connect across multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) at once, which enables Wi-Fi 7 to handle high traffic loads far more effectively than its predecessors.

In high-density environments—offices, convention centers, or industrial settings—Wi-Fi 6 and 6E can struggle as more devices connect and demand bandwidth. With Wi-Fi 7, the ability to distribute traffic across multiple bands helps alleviate congestion.

For instance, in a stadium filled with thousands of smartphones and IoT devices, Wi-Fi 7 can balance the load across all available bands, leading to more stable connections and consistent performance.

Lower latency for real-time applications

Latency is a key concern for applications requiring real-time communication, like:

• Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
• Gaming
• Video conferencing

Wi-Fi 7 addresses this challenge by reducing latency to less than 5 milliseconds under optimal conditions. In comparison, Wi-Fi 6 can experience latency in the range of 4 to 10 milliseconds under optimal conditions, depending on the network's configuration and congestion.

For industries relying on real-time responsiveness, like remote healthcare (telemedicine) or virtual workspaces, lower latency makes interactions more fluid. In AR/VR environments, even minor delays can disrupt the user experience, making the reduced latency of Wi-Fi 7 a valuable improvement.

The lower latency also benefits industries with automated systems. In manufacturing, where machinery communicates in real-time for precise coordination, Wi-Fi 7’s advancements can contribute to more reliable operational efficiency.

High efficiency in multi-device ecosystems

Wi-Fi 7 is designed to handle modern network environments where multiple devices require simultaneous, uninterrupted connections. Think about the growing number of IoT devices in warehouses or smart offices—Wi-Fi 7 can support up to 16 spatial streams, allowing it to maintain consistent performance across many devices at once.

In real-world scenarios, it means Wi-Fi 7 can offer better performance for densely populated networks, whether you're running multiple IoT sensors in an industrial plant or managing hundreds of mobile devices in an office building. The result is greater network efficiency and fewer slowdowns during peak traffic periods.

Overall impact

Wi-Fi 7’s improvements in speed, device support, and latency significantly enhance network performance, making it highly valuable for environments that rely on demanding data throughput and low-latency connections.

It's particularly beneficial for industries that demand:

• Real-time data handling
• Support for many devices
• Fast data transfer

However, businesses should evaluate their current needs and infrastructure to determine whether upgrading now or waiting until more Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices become available is the right move.

For businesses facing congestion in current networks or working with high-bandwidth applications, Wi-Fi 7 provides the tools to solve those issues. While Wi-Fi 6E offers a similar spectrum, Wi-Fi 7 brings the capability to fully utilize that spectrum for higher performance.

Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it? Potential drawbacks to consider 

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 brings a number of considerations that could slow down decision-making for businesses. Understanding the potential challenges involved helps in determining whether the upgrade is right for your organization.

Hardware limitations

Wi-Fi 7 devices introduce significant performance improvements, but only for those specifically built for it. This means any current hardware—laptops, smartphones, or IoT devices—won’t take advantage of the faster speeds, multi-link operation, or higher throughput unless they are Wi-Fi 7-compatible. Older devices will still connect, but they won’t benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s key features.

This introduces a practical limitation: Businesses that rely on older devices may need to upgrade their entire fleet of hardware to fully utilize Wi-Fi 7. Depending on the scale of the company and the number of devices in use, this could represent a substantial upfront investment, even beyond simply updating routers or access points.

High initial costs

Switching to Wi-Fi 7 isn't meant to be a quick fix—it’s more like an overhaul. Aside from the cost of Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices, an upgrade requires infrastructure changes that involve new routers, switches, and access points to support the higher bandwidths. For many businesses, particularly those who have recently upgraded to Wi-Fi 6, this can feel premature.

The cost isn’t just in purchasing new equipment. Planning and implementing the necessary upgrades—potentially across multiple locations—takes time and resources. For organizations already operating at scale, the financial and operational investment can be difficult to justify, especially if Wi-Fi 6 or 6E still meets current needs.

Compatibility issues

Deploying Wi-Fi 7 in a network that includes Wi-Fi 5 and 6 devices can create some friction. Devices that aren't Wi-Fi 7-compatible will operate on legacy protocols, which can introduce congestion and reduce overall network performance.

Network engineers may need to spend extra time configuring systems to manage mixed environments effectively. Not all devices will be able to take advantage of the advanced features of Wi-Fi 7, leading to fragmented performance. Adding to this, those managing the network might face complications when optimizing settings across devices with vastly different capabilities.

3 key reasons for upgrading to Wi-Fi 7

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 depends heavily on what your network demands are today and where you see them heading. That being said, there are three important reasons why your business may want to perform such an upgrade.

1. High-bandwidth applications

Wi-Fi 7 could provide tangible benefits to businesses that are heavily invested in data-intensive tasks like:

• 8K video streaming
• Real-time analytics
• Expansive IoT setups

The jump to 320 MHz channels and higher data rates through 4K-QAM means faster data transfer. This can translate into more efficient handling of large datasets and smoother performance in environments where connectivity is constantly strained by multiple devices.

However, while Wi-Fi 7 offers improved performance within its range, the actual coverage area remains comparable to that of Wi-Fi 6.

2. Preparing for future growth

Businesses that expect significant scaling—whether in terms of users, devices, or data loads—should view Wi-Fi 7 as a tool for staying ahead. By introducing greater capacity and efficiency, it can handle increased demands without requiring multiple network overhauls in the near future.

It’s particularly useful for environments like large enterprises or manufacturing plants that plan to expand their IoT and automation efforts.

3. Practical timing considerations

While Wi-Fi 7 promises significant advantages, its widespread use is still a few years out. The number of devices supporting the technology is currently limited, and many businesses won’t see immediate benefits unless they are already running Wi-Fi 7-compatible hardware.

It might make more sense to wait until the technology becomes more commonplace and affordable, allowing you to align any upgrades with broader infrastructure refreshes or new deployments. Depending on how well your current network is performing, waiting until more vendors release compatible products may save unnecessary costs.

Wi-Fi 7 is a good investment for those pushing the boundaries of network use or planning for long-term growth. However, if your network is stable and meeting current demands, waiting for broader adoption could be the smarter move.

Wi-Fi 7 vs. wired connections

Wi-Fi 7 has made significant advancements in bridging the gap between wireless and wired networking, but it’s important to consider the specific needs of your business before deciding whether to go fully wireless or maintain some wired infrastructure.

Performance gap

Wi-Fi 7 delivers impressive theoretical speeds of up to 46.1 Gbps, making it one of the fastest wireless technologies available. However, wired Ethernet still holds an edge in scenarios where guaranteed, consistent performance is required, especially for latency-sensitive applications.

While Wi-Fi 7 makes significant strides in throughput, wired connections are less susceptible to interference and network congestion, which gives Ethernet the reliability edge in scenarios where performance can’t be compromised.

Mobility vs. speed

Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced capabilities make it possible to deliver high speeds without sacrificing mobility. For businesses where flexibility and movement are key—such as manufacturing facilities, healthcare environments, or large office campuses—Wi-Fi 7 allows employees and devices to stay connected without the need for physical cables.

Ethernet, however, still outperforms in raw speed and low-latency applications, which makes it the preferred choice in settings where those factors are more important than mobility.

Use cases

Wi-Fi 7 is ideal for businesses that rely on high-bandwidth applications and need to support a large number of connected devices. Ethernet is still preferred for environments where absolute performance and low latency are required.

Below are some common use cases where Wi-Fi 7 would be particularly beneficial:

• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics where medical staff need to move between patient rooms while maintaining reliable access to electronic health records (EHR), real-time imaging, or telemedicine applications.
• Manufacturing: Large-scale production facilities using IoT devices for tracking, automation, and predictive maintenance. Wi-Fi 7 supports the density and mobility needed for these complex environments.
• Media and entertainment: Wireless support for 8K video streaming, collaborative real-time editing, and content distribution within a large-scale production environment.
• Warehousing and logistics: Inventory management systems using handheld devices or robots can benefit from the mobility and low-latency features of Wi-Fi 7, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
• Education and campus environments: Universities and schools with high-density user areas, where students and staff require consistent, high-speed wireless access for e-learning platforms, research, and collaboration tools.
• Retail: High-volume transaction systems, in-store inventory management, and mobile point-of-sale devices that need reliable, fast connections across expansive floor plans.

In many of these use cases, the improvements in Wi-Fi 7’s speed, capacity, and mobility can enhance business operations, though it’s still important to evaluate whether the performance needs justify the cost of upgrading your infrastructure.

What should businesses consider before upgrading?

Before committing to a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade, businesses should consider several practical factors that go beyond the allure of new technology. Evaluating the state of your current network, anticipating future needs, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis are key steps in deciding whether the upgrade is right for your organization.

Assess current network performance

Take an honest look at how your network is functioning today. Is your existing Wi-Fi setup handling current demands effectively, or are you encountering speed or bandwidth issues? If your business relies on high-density environments or data-heavy applications, and performance is already showing signs of strain, then upgrading could make a tangible difference.

For example, if your current network struggles with video conferencing, real-time collaboration, or handling large volumes of IoT devices, Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced speed and reduced latency could address those challenges.

However, if your current network is delivering stable performance with minimal congestion, an immediate upgrade may not be necessary. Waiting until your infrastructure starts to hit performance ceilings could help you avoid premature expenses.

Consider long-term scalability

Wi-Fi 7 offers features that are geared toward future growth. Businesses planning to increase their reliance on bandwidth-heavy applications, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or cloud-based workflows, should weigh how Wi-Fi 7's advancements can support this growth.

Features like multi-link operation and wider channels (up to 320 MHz) offer the capacity to handle more devices with less interference. These advancements could prevent the need for constant network upgrades as your business scales.

For companies forecasting significant increases in device connectivity or data consumption, investing in Wi-Fi 7 may be a proactive way to future-proof operations. The technology is built to accommodate a growing number of connected devices, making it a strong contender for organizations with plans for IoT expansion or other large-scale tech rollouts.

Perform a cost-benefit analysis

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 involves more than just purchasing new access points. The shift often requires investment in compatible devices, network infrastructure, and, in some cases, higher-tier ISP plans to fully unlock the potential of Wi-Fi 7’s speeds. Consider whether these upgrades will deliver a return that justifies the cost.

Businesses should ask:

• Are your current applications underperforming due to network limitations? If speed and latency are already impacting operations, the upgrade could result in immediate productivity gains.
• Will your existing devices benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s capabilities? Most current devices won’t take full advantage of the new standard. Upgrading too early could leave you with network infrastructure that outpaces the capabilities of your existing hardware.
• Is the investment worth the potential downtime and learning curve? Rolling out new infrastructure comes with operational disruptions and an adjustment period. Weigh whether the advantages of upgrading outweigh these temporary inconveniences.

Balancing the potential benefits with the associated costs and operational impact will guide your decision-making process.

How Meter can help 

When considering if Wi-Fi 7 is worth it, Meter simplifies the decision with its end-to-end network solutions. With Wi-Fi 6 access points already providing strong performance, Meter is set to introduce Wi-Fi 7 hardware in Spring 2025.

Businesses won’t have to manage the complexities of upgrading, as Meter handles the entire process, from planning to installation and ongoing support. This frees up your IT team to focus on more important, strategic tasks, rather than being bogged down by network upgrades and troubleshooting.

Meter’s NaaS solution also allows businesses to access the latest technology without large upfront costs, making future-proofing your network more flexible.

Key features of Meter’s solution include:

• Hardware updates: We can upgrade your network to Wi-Fi 7 when it’s available. 
• Comprehensive lifecycle management: Everything from network design to installation and ongoing monitoring is fully managed.
• Scalable solutions: Meter’s network can grow alongside your business, adapting to increasing demands over time.
• Proactive monitoring: Meter’s support continuously monitors your network to help prevent performance issues before they affect operations.
• No upfront costs: All hardware (i.e. switches), installation, and upgrades are included in a monthly fee.
• Advanced security features: Enterprise-grade DNS security comes standard to protect your network from potential threats.

Discover what Meter’s NaaS solution can offer your business either through our Meter trial program or by scheduling a demo.