What's Wi-Fi 7's range? Distance limitations explained

Wi-Fi 7 is projected to deliver faster speeds than its predecessors, but how far can its signal reach? Range is a key factor for businesses, particularly those operating in large spaces or multi-level buildings. While it promises incredible data rates, Wi-Fi 7’s range doesn’t break past the physical barriers that have always limited wireless networks.

Readers will learn:

• How Wi-Fi 7 compares to previous versions like Wi-Fi 6
• How frequency affects Wi-Fi 7’s range
• What real-world factors impact Wi-Fi 7’s range
• How Wi-Fi 7 performs in large spaces and environments
• Ways to maximize the range of Wi-Fi 7 in larger areas
• The limitations Wi-Fi 7 range has in various environments
• How Meter ensures your long-term Wi-Fi updates with our NaaS solution 

What is the range of Wi-Fi 7 compared to previous versions?

Wi-Fi 7 introduces enhancements like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 320 MHz channels, which can improve range and performance under certain conditions, although higher frequencies generally reduce range. Just like with Wi-Fi 6, the increase in speed doesn’t necessarily mean the signal will cover a larger area.

The range of Wi-Fi is largely dictated by the frequency it operates on. Wi-Fi 7 enhances efficiency and lowers latency, but it doesn’t change the fundamental range limitations imposed by the frequencies it uses. 

Lower frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz, are better suited for covering large areas because they can pass through walls and physical obstructions more effectively. These lower frequencies are particularly useful in environments where the signal needs to travel through multiple obstacles, like in large office buildings or industrial spaces.

In contrast, the higher frequencies—like 5 GHz and 6 GHz—offer much faster speeds, but their signals weaken more quickly when faced with barriers, limiting their coverage.

A focus on speed and efficiency

Wi-Fi 7 introduces remarkable improvements such as wider channel bandwidth (320 MHz) and higher modulation (up to 4096-QAM), but the real-world benefits depend on conditions like available spectrum and device compatibility.

These updates make Wi-Fi 7 highly capable of managing a large number of devices simultaneously, even in situations where network congestion could have been an issue in earlier Wi-Fi standards.

Despite these improvements in throughput and capacity, Wi-Fi 7 doesn't significantly expand the range of coverage. The physical limitations that affected Wi-Fi 6 and earlier versions, particularly with higher frequency bands like 5 GHz and 6 GHz, still apply. In practical terms, while Wi-Fi 7 handles traffic more efficiently, it doesn't reach further than its predecessors.

Businesses will find that major benefits lie in how Wi-Fi 7 optimizes the network's ability to handle more users and data-intensive applications. In areas where high device density and heavy traffic are common, these advancements will lead to noticeable improvements in performance.

However, those looking to extend the signal range will still need to rely on techniques like mesh networks or additional access points, as the coverage area itself remains tied to the same principles governing Wi-Fi range in previous generations.

Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6: How range and signal strength differ

When comparing Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6 range, it’s important to note that the technologies share many similarities in terms of signal coverage. Wi-Fi 7 leverages the same frequency bands—2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz—as Wi-Fi 6, meaning range limitations will remain largely the same. The real improvement lies in efficiency, not raw distance.

Wi-Fi 6E introduced the 6 GHz band, which provides more channels and less interference, making it ideal for dense environments. But does Wi-Fi 6 have better range than Wi-Fi 7? Not necessarily. The higher frequency doesn’t travel as far as lower bands and struggles to penetrate walls and other obstacles.

Both Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6 face the same challenges, especially when using the 6 GHz band, which trades range for speed. However, Wi-Fi 7's improvements in data handling give it an advantage in managing multiple connections.

Features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allow devices to dynamically switch between different frequency bands, balancing speed and range based on current network demands.

The impact on network performance in large or multi-level spaces

In larger spaces such as open offices or multi-story buildings, simply deploying Wi-Fi 7 won’t automatically extend coverage. Thoughtful placement of access points remains key, and in many cases, mesh networks or repeaters will still be necessary to cover all areas adequately.

The real benefit Wi-Fi 7 brings to the table is its ability to better handle a high density of devices and traffic, which can lead to more consistent performance even if the physical range remains comparable to Wi-Fi 6.

How does Wi-Fi 7's frequency affect its range?

Wi-Fi 7 utilizes 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Higher frequencies like 6 GHz excel at delivering faster data speeds but struggle to penetrate physical barriers such as walls and floors, which leads to weaker signals over longer distances in obstructed areas.

The 6 GHz band thrives in scenarios where open space or line-of-sight conditions dominate. Its ability to support higher data throughput makes it particularly effective in densely populated environments, such as offices filled with numerous devices.

However, the presence of obstacles quickly diminishes its reach. Each obstruction, whether a concrete wall or a solid floor, significantly reduces the signal’s strength, limiting its range in more complex layouts.

Lower frequency bands like 2.4 GHz offer a solution for extending coverage. While these lower frequencies do not match the speed potential of 6 GHz, they are much better at traveling through walls and other barriers, providing a more consistent signal across larger areas.

A balanced combination of these frequency bands can help businesses maintain both speed and coverage. Access points placed in strategic locations help mitigate range limitations, allowing networks to offer high-speed connections where possible while still providing reliable coverage in more challenging parts of a building.

How using multiple bands can mitigate range limitations

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7 leverages multiple frequency bands to enhance both range and performance. Devices can connect to 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands simultaneously rather than being restricted to just one.

Each band has its strengths: 5 GHz has a shorter range and lower wall penetration capability compared to 2.4 GHz, which makes it less effective over longer distances or through barriers, while 6 GHz provides faster speeds, albeit over shorter ranges. Using both bands together allows networks to maintain a balance between speed and coverage, depending on real-time demands.

This innovation is particularly useful in environments with complex layouts, such as multi-level office buildings or expansive warehouses. MLO distributes traffic across different bands, helping networks manage congestion and physical barriers more effectively. The ability to adapt to different bands based on the environment improves connection stability without sacrificing speed or range.

Wi-Fi 7, through MLO, offers a more adaptive and flexible network experience that aligns well with real-world challenges, particularly in spaces where balancing speed and coverage is important.

Factors impacting Wi-Fi range in real-world environments

Wi-Fi range in practical use can differ significantly from theoretical expectations, with several variables influencing performance. Understanding these factors is key to designing and maintaining an effective network.

Physical obstacles

The most obvious issue is physical barriers. Materials like concrete, brick, and metal can block or weaken Wi-Fi signals. In environments like office buildings or industrial spaces, walls, floors, and structural elements absorb or reflect wireless signals, leading to reduced range.

Even everyday objects, such as large furniture or dense metal equipment, can interfere with the signal's path, creating weak spots or dead zones. The more obstructions are in the way, the shorter the effective range becomes, requiring more strategic placement of access points.

Device compatibility

Not all devices can fully utilize the capabilities of modern Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 7. Older devices, still running on Wi-Fi 5 or earlier, might not support the latest features, such as the 6 GHz band, limiting their performance and range within a network.

While newer devices can handle higher speeds and more bandwidth, older ones may cause bottlenecks that drag down overall network efficiency. Ensuring that devices are updated to match the network standard can improve signal reliability and range.

Network congestion

Congested networks suffer from signal interference as multiple devices compete for bandwidth. In densely populated environments, such as large offices or public spaces, dozens or even hundreds of devices may be connected simultaneously, leading to slower performance and reduced range.

Despite Wi-Fi 7's improvements in handling multiple connections, the sheer volume of devices can still strain network resources. Proper capacity planning, including traffic management and segmenting the network, can help mitigate these issues.

Each of these factors—physical barriers, device limitations, and network congestion—plays a direct role in determining Wi-Fi range and performance. Thoughtful planning, from access point placement to upgrading devices, can make a significant difference in how well a network functions across different environments.

Wi-Fi 7 performance in large spaces

Wi-Fi 7 offers impressive speed and network efficiency, but large spaces can still challenge its range. In open offices or multi-level buildings, the higher frequencies, like the 6 GHz band, provide faster data transfer but can struggle with penetrating walls or spanning long distances.

Performance in office environments

In open office layouts, Wi-Fi 7 generally performs well for typical applications. It can handle a large number of connected devices while delivering high data rates. However, when dealing with multi-story buildings or expansive spaces, relying on a single access point may not provide the coverage needed. Gaps in coverage can occur, particularly across different floors or distant corners of a large space, which can result in weaker connections or dead zones.

Range extension technologies

To address range limitations, various technologies can help expand Wi-Fi 7 coverage in large office environments.

Mesh networks improve Wi-Fi coverage by distributing signals more evenly across large areas through multiple nodes, but they do not inherently increase the maximum range of the signal. Instead of a single access point, mesh systems distribute several interconnected nodes throughout the space.

These nodes work together to maintain a consistent signal across all areas, even in complex office layouts with multiple levels. As such, it helps distribute the load more effectively and prevents isolated weak spots from developing.

Wi-Fi repeaters are still used in 2024 but are less common in large, enterprise environments. Repeaters amplify the existing Wi-Fi signal to extend coverage, making them useful in smaller spaces. However, they can introduce latency and degrade signal quality, especially if not placed optimally.

Repeaters have become less popular in favor of mesh networks, which offer more consistent performance across large areas with multiple devices. In enterprise settings, mesh networks are typically preferred for their ability to handle the demands of complex layouts and dense device usage.

Large office spaces require thoughtful placement of these technologies. Analyzing the physical environment is key to determining the best spots for:

• Access points
• Mesh nodes
• Repeaters

With careful planning, Wi-Fi 7's range can be expanded to meet the demands of even the largest or most complex office environments, ensuring that all areas benefit from its speed and capacity.

Best practices for maximizing Wi-Fi 7 range in large areas

Maximizing Wi-Fi 7 range in large areas involves strategic planning around how the signal interacts with the physical environment.

Access point placement plays a big role in signal strength. Walls, floors, and other physical barriers tend to weaken Wi-Fi signals. Placing access points in open, central locations helps the signal travel farther and maintain strength. In multi-floor spaces, distributing them evenly across different levels can improve overall coverage.

Mesh networking can significantly improve performance in larger or complex environments. Using multiple connected access points rather than one central hub spreads the Wi-Fi signal more effectively across different areas, reducing dead zones and maintaining consistent performance across rooms or floors.

Network segmentation divides the network into smaller parts, helping to reduce congestion, which allows the network to manage traffic more efficiently, improving both performance and range. Segmenting can help balance load distribution and provide better service where it's most needed.

Each step directly impacts Wi-Fi 7’s effectiveness in large spaces, leading to stronger, more reliable connectivity across the network.

Limitations of Wi-Fi 7 range in challenging environments

Wi-Fi 7 has benefits, but certain environments can hinder its range and performance:

• Metal structures and machinery in factories or warehouses can block or absorb Wi-Fi signals, leading to reduced range.
• Equipment such as motors and conveyors generate electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can affect Wi-Fi signal stability.
• Concrete, brick, and other dense materials in industrial or older office buildings can weaken signal strength significantly.
• Environmental factors like rain, humidity, and physical obstructions, such as trees and buildings, can degrade signal quality in outdoor areas.
• Wi-Fi 7 may struggle to cover large distances effectively without additional infrastructure like mesh networks or repeaters.
• Many IoT and edge devices may have lower transmission power, reducing their ability to maintain a strong Wi-Fi connection over long distances or through obstacles.
• Signals often have difficulty reaching between floors in multi-story buildings, creating coverage gaps unless access points are placed strategically.

Careful network planning, the use of additional access points, and range-extending technologies can help overcome these challenges in challenging environments.

Meter ensures long-term Wi-Fi updates with our NaaS solution 

As of today, there simply aren’t enough client devices to support Wi-Fi 7’s new features in most office networks. Many hardware vendors are waiting until Wi-Fi 7 has been ratified by the IEEE before building more Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices. However, the good news is that with Meter’s Network as a Service (NaaS), you won’t have to worry about when to upgrade hardware or software again.  

Our NaaS solution provides scalable, tailored solutions that improve Wi-Fi coverage, including preparing for the anticipated Wi-Fi 7 range. When Meter introduces Wi-Fi 7 access points to its line-up in Spring 2025, Meter will upgrade them automatically for customers. With Wi-Fi 6 currently available, businesses will benefit from higher speeds and enhanced network performance, future-proofing their operations.

Meter’s NaaS takes things further than delivering high-performance Wi-Fi. It allows IT teams to focus on strategic projects by handling the complexities of network management. Our solutions are designed to support coverage in environments like large multi-level offices or sprawling industrial sites.

Key features of Meter’s NaaS include:

• Complete network management: We handle design, installation, and ongoing maintenance, so internal IT resources are freed from daily network tasks.
• Flexible network design: Customizable network design adapts to the size and complexity of your business, delivering consistent coverage in any environment.
• Fast issue resolution: Our support team addresses 99.9% of network issues within 24 hours, reducing downtime and keeping operations running without interruptions.
• Real-time insights: Our platform offers full visibility into network performance via the patented Meter Dashboard, allowing businesses to make informed decisions with actionable data.
• Easy deployment: Solutions are designed for quick setup and minimal disruption, allowing businesses to maintain operations during the transition.

See how Meter can optimize your network’s performance by scheduling a demo.