Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless standard, promising faster speeds and lower latency. It's set to improve on Wi-Fi 6 with wider channels and multi-link operation for better performance in busy networks. But does it live up to the hype?

What you’ll learn:

• Wi-Fi 7 and its features
• How and why it’s better than previous generations
• What you can expect from a Wi-Fi 7 compatible access point
• The best time to upgrade your Wi-Fi infrastructure
• How Meter can simplify the entire process for your business

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, or IEEE 802.11be, is the next advancement in wireless networking. It was designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity that supports high-definition streaming, VR, AR, and other data-heavy applications.

Wi-Fi 7's most prominent features include:

Who developed Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is the result of work by two key groups:

• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• The Wi-Fi Alliance

The IEEE handles the technical side, creating the detailed specs that make Wi-Fi 7 what it is. Officially called IEEE 802.11be, these specs set the rules so manufacturers can build devices that work together.

The Wi-Fi Alliance plays an important role in the function of Wi-Fi 7. They test and certify devices to guarantee your routers, Wi-Fi 7 laptops, and gadgets can connect without interruption. Their stamp of approval also means devices meet strict standards for performance and security. As a result, businesses and consumers know they’re getting tech they can rely on.

How is Wi-Fi 7 better than previous generations?

Wi-Fi 7 steps on the scene with faster theoretical speeds and advanced features. Here’s a quick look at how it sets itself apart from its predecessors. For a more in-depth look at how Wi-Fi 7 competes with previous standards, check out our articles “Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7” and “Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7”.

Wi-Fi 7 introduces 10 Gbps ports

As Wi-Fi access points become capable of true multi-gig speeds, many of them will feature 10 Gbps ports. An increase in speed potential allows for faster connections, but only if your internet service plan is upgraded to a multi-gig option.

Modulation enters its 4096-QAM era

Wi-Fi 7 utilizes 4096-QAM, a modulation technique that can transmit far more data over the airwaves compared to the 1024-QAM used in Wi-Fi 6. Higher speeds become possible with Wi-Fi 7-capable devices, thanks to the increased data transmission rate.

Bonded channels just got bigger

The new standard supports 320 MHz channels, doubling data capacity across the Wi-Fi 7 spectrum compared to Wi-Fi 6E. Such a wider bandwidth allows more data to pass through at once, further increasing speed.

Wi-Fi 7 reduces interference

Wi-Fi 7 reduces interference and improves performance by better utilizing 5 GHz channels, though radar interference still requires careful planning. The 6 GHz band, first introduced with Wi-Fi 6E, sees broader device compatibility, offering greater capacity and reduced interference.

While 320 MHz channels boost speed, real-world interference may still affect performance. MLO enables connections across multiple bands simultaneously for higher speeds but increases power usage, making it less ideal for mobile devices.

Reap the benefits of many spatial streams

Some Wi-Fi 7 devices may support up to 16 spatial streams, which allows more simultaneous connections. With these devices, you can support eight client devices at full speed or sixteen at half speed.

That said, to get the promised theoretical rate of 46.1 Gbps, you’d need to run 16 streams simultaneously on the 6 GHz band on a 320 MHz bonded channel. It’s something that is highly impractical for typical use cases.

Wi-Fi 7 can save you power

Optimize power usage with Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT). R-TWT builds on Wi-Fi 6's TWT feature, allowing for better resource management for latency-sensitive traffic. It helps reduce power consumption on Wi-Fi 7 access points, provided MLO is not in use, and network settings are adjusted accordingly.

How does a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade benefit modern businesses?

Wi-Fi 7 offers features built to help dense networks perform better. But what does this mean for your business?

Wi-Fi 7’s speed is the headline feature

Wi-Fi 7 is all about speed, with a theoretical max of 46.1 Gbps. You won’t hit that number in everyday use, but the boost it delivers in real-world performance is still impressive. Faster speeds and less lag mean cloud platforms work better, keeping your team connected and productive without the usual slowdowns.

Wi-Fi 7 makes 8K streaming easier to achieve

Streaming in 8K? Wi-Fi 7 handles it with ease. The added bandwidth cuts buffering, so ultra-high-definition feels effortless.

It simplifies the use of VR/AR applications

It’s also a win for VR and AR. These apps are data-hungry, but Wi-Fi 7 keeps up, cutting lag and making virtual experiences more fluid. Whether it’s remote training or design work, this tech keeps the pace.

Wi-Fi 7 handles crowded networks with ease

Busy offices? No problem. Wi-Fi 7 manages dense networks better, keeping laptops, phones, IoT devices, and smart tools working without interruptions. It’s designed for environments where dozens, even hundreds, of devices need reliable connections at the same time.

It optimizes IoT devices for lower power use

Wi-Fi 7 uses improved TWT to schedule data more efficiently. By conserving energy, it lowers costs and reduces downtime for businesses that depend on sensors and smart tools.

It prepares businesses for the future

While Wi-Fi 7’s full capabilities may take time to roll out, upgrading now ensures your business is ready for the next wave of tech. From new tools to platforms demanding faster, low-latency connections, Wi-Fi 7 is built to handle what’s coming next.

What to expect from a Wi-Fi 7 access point

Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 7 access point sounds great, but don’t expect a night-and-day difference right away. The big perks—like multi-gigabit speeds and better bandwidth management—only shine when you’ve got Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices in the mix. Most client devices today can’t tap into MLO or 16 spatial streams, so you might not see the full payoff just yet.

Sure, these access points are packed with:

• Smarter traffic management
• Stronger security
• More capacity

But if your network relies on older devices built for Wi-Fi 6 or earlier, the improvements might not feel worth the investment. It’s not that Wi-Fi 7 isn’t impressive—it’s just that without the right devices, its advanced features sit idle.

Before you dive into an upgrade, take a close look at your setup. If your devices aren’t ready to keep up, maybe holding off is the right move. Doing so until Wi-Fi 7 devices become more widespread could save you cash and make the upgrade far more impactful later on.

Meter is set to introduce Wi-Fi 7 access points to its line-up in Spring 2025.

What industries will benefit most from Wi-Fi 7?

Any company reliant on high-speed, consistent connectivity will benefit greatly from a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade eventually, though there’s no rush to upgrade. The following industries fit this criteria to a T.

Media and entertainment

Wi-Fi 7 is a powerhouse for industries that thrive on speed and precision. It’s perfect for 8K streaming, real-time gaming, and immersive AR/VR experiences. Content creators and platforms aiming for ultra-high-definition quality will find it worthwhile.

Healthcare

Telemedicine and remote surgeries demand low latency and dependable connections. Wi-Fi 7 has the ability to handle many devices and heavy data loads at the same time. This translates into smoother communication and more reliable patient care. Yes, even in data-intensive scenarios.

Manufacturing

Factories are smarter than ever, with IoT sensors, robots, and automated systems running the show. Wi-Fi 7 steps up with the capacity to handle the enormous data flow and the speed to keep real-time operations on track.

Education

Virtual classrooms and online simulations are only as good as the networks running them. Wi-Fi 7 can support higher education with a ton of simultaneous connections. Now students and teachers get fast, consistent access to learning tools without issues.

Retail and logistics

Retailers and warehouses rely on constant connectivity for smart checkouts, inventory management, and automated systems. Wi-Fi 7 reduces interference and provides dependable performance, even in environments with many connected devices.

When should you upgrade to Wi-Fi 7?

The time to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 is when your business needs it or is preparing for it. We recommend you ask yourself a few questions before going all-in on Wi-Fi 7.

1. How long should you wait?

If your business depends on cutting-edge tech like AR/VR or ultra-high bandwidth tools, you might want to upgrade 3–6 months after Wi-Fi 7 routers and devices hit the market. For everyone else, waiting at least a year could be smarter. The longer you hold off, the more affordable and practical the upgrade becomes as compatible devices and infrastructure catch up.

2. Do you have the resources for a full upgrade?

Switching to Wi-Fi 7 isn’t just about buying a router. You’ll need to replace older access points and hardware to make the most of the new technology. If your budget or IT team is stretched thin, consider upgrading in phases instead of all at once.

3. Is your infrastructure ready?

Wi-Fi 7 access points demand faster switches, upgraded firewalls, and a network that can handle higher speeds and bandwidth. If your current setup isn’t ready, ask yourself if you’re prepared for the extra time and expense required to overhaul it.

4. Does your ISP support multi-gig speeds?

Wi-Fi 7 delivers multi-gigabit speeds, but your internet connection might not. If your ISP doesn’t offer plans to match, upgrading your network won’t unlock its full potential. Also, keep in mind that higher-speed internet plans may come with higher costs.

5. How many devices support Wi-Fi 7?

Take stock of your devices. If most of them still rely on older Wi-Fi standards, a network upgrade won’t immediately deliver big benefits. It might make more sense to wait until a larger portion of your devices are Wi-Fi 7 compatible.

6. Can your team manage new technology?

Brand-new Wi-Fi 7 access points come with their own set of quirks. From setup to troubleshooting, there’s a learning curve. Consider whether your team is ready to handle this or if you’ll need outside support to make the transition simple.

7. Is there enough market availability?

Wi-Fi 7 access points are still rolling out, and not all vendors have extensive real-world testing yet. Waiting until the hardware is more proven and widely available could save you headaches and ensure a more reliable upgrade.

Simplify Wi-Fi 7 upgrades with Meter 

Meter makes upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 easy by handling every part of your network, from hardware to maintenance. With Meter’s service, all your upgrades are automatically managed, including the rollout of Wi-Fi 7 access points starting in Spring 2025.

Right now, Meter offers Wi-Fi 6, delivering fast and reliable performance for today’s needs. When the shift to Wi-Fi 7 happens, Meter will take care of the installation, setup, and upkeep, so your IT team can focus on bigger priorities.

Key features of Meter's services:

• Complete network management: Meter oversees everything from network design and installation to monitoring and support, reducing the workload for internal IT teams.
• Automatic hardware upgrades: When Meter releases its Wi-Fi 7 access points, Meter will upgrade your hardware.
• Proactive issue resolution: Support resolves most issues within 24 hours, minimizing disruptions and ensuring network reliability without constant IT involvement.
• Top-tier protection: Meter’s DNS security blocks malicious domains, prevents phishing attacks, and ensures safe browsing for all connected devices.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to get a demo.