Wi-Fi 7 devices offer faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and lower latency for business networks. Before you buy into the Wi-Fi 7 hype and upgrade, be sure to verify compatibility. Not every device will support Wi-Fi 7, so it’s worth knowing if your current setup can handle it.

We’ll walk you through:

• The Wi-Fi 7 device standards you can expect
• How to determine if your current devices will support Wi-Fi 7
• A look into Wi-Fi 7 routers
• Ways to future-proof your network for newer technologies
• What Wi-Fi 7 will demand of your network
• Challenges that come with early adoption of Wi-Fi 7
• Meter’s role in simplifying the network transition process

Wi-Fi 7 device standards

Built on the IEEE 802.11be protocol, Wi-Fi 7 introduces advanced features like:

• 320 MHz channels
• 4096 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)
• multi-link operation (MLO)

All these features are set to boost performance, especially in busy, device-dense environments. Of course, there’s a caveat. To unlock these capabilities, you'll need Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices that support these advanced features. Without it, the added benefits will never reach full potential.

Older routers will also miss out on key features like MLO. The MLO feature is what allows devices to connect across multiple bands for a more stable connection. And yes, all these features sound exciting. But, real-world performance gains will depend on your network setup and how many Wi-Fi 7 ready devices you’re actually using.

How can you tell if your current devices support Wi-Fi 7?

Determining what devices support Wi-Fi 7 isn’t as simple as checking a box on a feature list. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is still new, and few devices currently support it.

Look at the device specifications

Check the specs in your device’s documentation or search online by model number to see if "Wi-Fi 7" or "802.11be" is mentioned. However, even that might not give you a clear answer.

Since Wi-Fi 7 was certified in early 2024, manufacturers have started labeling devices as "Wi-Fi 7-ready," but some may not yet be optimized for all Wi-Fi 7 features. Double-checking the specs is a good idea to confirm compatibility.

Use network tools

Tools like Wi-Fi analyzers or network scanners can tell you which Wi-Fi version your device is connected to. If your device connects to a Wi-Fi 6 or earlier router, Wi-Fi 7 features won’t be active.

These tools can also show if your device uses higher frequencies, like the 6 GHz band, which Wi-Fi 7 uses. However, just because a device works on the 6 GHz band doesn’t mean it supports Wi-Fi 7—it might only be compatible with Wi-Fi 6.

Consider the device’s release date

Devices from before 2023 almost certainly don’t support Wi-Fi 7. Even some 2023 devices may hold off until the Wi-Fi 7 standard is fully established. 

While these steps can help you check if your device is ready for Wi-Fi 7, ambiguity still exists. Manufacturers are slow to label devices as fully Wi-Fi 7-compatible, and even if your device supports Wi-Fi 7, a compatible router and infrastructure are still needed.

Right now, Wi-Fi 6 is likely enough for most users, even those with higher demands. Wi-Fi 7 has potential, but widespread adoption will take time.

Getting the most out of Wi-Fi 7 routers

To really see what Wi-Fi 7 can do, both your router and the devices using it need to support the new standard. Wi-Fi 7 routers are built to handle huge data rates and use MLO.

But if your other devices don’t support Wi-Fi 7, they’ll work at their own top speeds. These speeds might not even scratch the surface of what Wi-Fi 7 offers. Most current devices, like phones or laptops, are still using Wi-Fi 5 or 6. So, even with a shiny new Wi-Fi 7 router, those older devices will max out at their own limit.

A router adapts to match each device’s best performance level. Yet, it’s still nowhere near the speeds Wi-Fi 7 is made to handle.

Before taking on a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade, think about how many devices on your network will actually benefit. Without Wi-Fi 7-ready gadgets, upgrading might feel like getting a top-of-the-line sound system but only playing old cassette tapes—it’ll work, but you’re not getting the full experience.

Wi-Fi 7 also brings improved security with protocols like GCMP-256 encryption. This is an improvement over the GCMP-128 encryption of Wi-Fi 6.

What is GCMP-256, and why does it matter?

GCMP-256 stands for Galois/Counter Mode Protocol with 256-bit encryption. It sounds fancy, and that’s because it is. This high-security tech is used in Wi-Fi standards like WPA3, including those found in Wi-Fi 7, to keep your data safe from nosy hackers.

The "256" means it uses a long encryption key—long enough to make brute-force attacks practically impossible. It also combines two features:

• Counter Mode for fast data encryption
• Galois Mode for double-checking your data hasn’t been tampered with

Think of it as a lock and a security camera rolled into one.

The encryption protects your data from prying eyes and makes sure nothing gets tampered with during transmission. It’s especially useful in high-security environments like enterprises or places where bad guys love to snoop.

Just consider GCMP-256 as the perfect bodyguard for your Wi-Fi 7 needs—strong, reliable, and keeping everything in check.

Do you need Wi-Fi 7 device upgrades right now?

Probably not. Wi-Fi 7 offers exciting features like faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks, but most devices today don’t support it yet. Unless your current setup is struggling with bandwidth issues or you have specific needs for cutting-edge features like wider channels or 4096 QAM, there’s no rush.

Wi-Fi 7 adoption is still in its early stages, with compatible devices only starting to appear. Many networks are still catching up with Wi-Fi 6, which handles most workloads just fine. For most businesses, upgrading now won’t bring noticeable benefits, especially if your Wi-Fi 6 system isn’t anywhere near its limits.

If you’re planning a big network upgrade or expect higher demands soon, looking at Wi-Fi 7-ready options could make sense. It’s a way to future-proof without needing an immediate overhaul.

Meter is introducing Wi-Fi 7 access points in Spring 2025 through our NaaS offering. When the time is right, we’ll handle the upgrades automatically, so you’ll stay ahead without lifting a finger.

How do Wi-Fi 7 devices future-proof your network?

Wi-Fi 7 gets your network ready for the future with faster speeds, better traffic handling, and improved performance in crowded environments. It’s designed to keep up with growing demands as more devices connect and bandwidth use increases.

Right now, most networks running on Wi-Fi 6 handle things just fine. They support high-speed Internet, streaming, and multiple devices without any noticeable struggles. Unless your network is falling behind or you’re planning big changes soon, upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 might not feel like a must-have just yet.

Wi-Fi 7 is still new, and most devices don’t support it yet. Upgrading might mean more than a router replacement—laptops, phones, and other connected devices could also need updates. Those costs can add up quickly, especially if the benefits aren’t immediate.

Take a good look at how your network performs today. Is it meeting your needs? Wi-Fi 7 has plenty of promise, but upgrading too early could leave you waiting for the rest of your tech to catch up.

How to best prepare for Wi-Fi 7 adoption

Wi-Fi 7 promises a lot, but making the leap isn’t as simple as plugging in a new router. It comes with challenges that need careful planning, smart spending, and a little patience. Here’s how to tackle the hurdles and get ready.

Check your devices before diving in

The first preparation step is checking Wi-Fi 7 devices and their compatibility. If your devices aren’t ready for Wi-Fi 7, upgrading is like installing a rocket engine on a tricycle.

Older devices, especially those on Wi-Fi 5 or earlier, won’t take full advantage of the new features like multi-link operation or wider channels. For businesses managing a fleet of laptops, smartphones, and IoT gadgets, replacing everything overnight isn’t exactly cheap—or practical.

Start by identifying the devices that need the upgrade most, like those that are critical to operations or chugging along with outdated standards. Replace them first and let the rest ride on Wi-Fi 6 for now. Since Wi-Fi 7 is backward compatible, your network can handle mixed generations without a meltdown.

Budget for the shiny new stuff

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Wi-Fi 7-ready equipment is pricey. Routers, access points, and client devices are on the high end of the price spectrum. If your current setup is Wi-Fi 6 and still running strong, splurging on an upgrade might feel more like retail therapy than a business decision.

Instead of going all in, focus on areas where bandwidth demand is highest—like conference rooms, production floors, or those mystery zones where everyone seems to congregate. By upgrading strategically, you can stretch your budget without sacrificing performance. Plus, as adoption grows, prices will likely come down, so it pays to wait a bit.

Tackle the complexity of big networks

Switching to Wi-Fi 7 on a large campus or office network can feel like changing the engine of a moving car. Supporting multiple Wi-Fi standards during the transition means juggling compatibility issues and avoiding downtime—a headache no IT team needs.

The trick is to roll out upgrades in phases. Start with high-traffic zones or areas where performance issues are common, then expand. Mixed environments will be the norm for a while, so make sure your IT team is ready to manage networks running both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. Think of it as a balancing act, not a sprint.

Don’t rush—play the long game

Wi-Fi 7 is still the shiny new kid on the block, and most devices haven’t caught up yet. Jumping in too early might leave you with top-tier equipment and no one to invite to the party. Adoption will pick up, but for now, it’s a waiting game.

If your network handles current demands just fine, there’s no need to jump the gun. Keep an eye on industry trends and revisit the upgrade when prices drop and devices start catching up. Patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a money-saver.

Preparing for Wi-Fi 7 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on what your network actually needs, take it one step at a time, and let the tech world catch up. When the time is right, you’ll be ready to ride the Wi-Fi 7 wave without blowing your budget or losing your sanity.

How Meter’s NaaS simplifies the process

Meter’s Network as a Service (NaaS) is a practical way for businesses to stay ahead of emerging technologies, including Wi-Fi 7 devices, once they become available. With Meter, all aspects of the network lifecycle—installation, maintenance, and upgrades—are fully managed, freeing up IT staff and network engineers to focus on more strategic initiatives. 

While Meter currently offers Wi-Fi 6 devices, we plan to introduce Wi-Fi 7 access points in Spring 2025. These devices will be automatically integrated into your network through Meter’s NaaS, allowing businesses to upgrade without managing the complexities of hardware replacements.

Here’s how Meter’s NaaS supports future Wi-Fi 7 adoption:

• Automatic hardware upgrades: Once Wi-Fi 7 access points are available, Meter will automatically upgrade your network, removing the need for manual installations or costly overhauls.
• Complete hardware management: Meter handles every step of the network hardware lifecycle—from installation to ongoing maintenance—so businesses can focus on core operations rather than network upkeep.
• Scalability for future growth: Whether your organization expands in terms of devices, locations, or bandwidth needs, Meter’s scalable infrastructure adapts easily to growing demands.
• Security by design: Meter’s network infrastructure incorporates regular firmware updates and advanced security appliances, helping to protect against evolving threats without added effort from your IT team.
• User-controlled monitoring: Businesses can monitor their network performance through the Meter patented dashboard, allowing for easy oversight of all connected devices and quick identification of potential issues.

Allow Meter to make the transition as smooth as possible. Sign up for our trial program to test out our equipment and software before committing to a full deployment.

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