WiFi 7, the newest generation of wireless technology, has been introduced for the first time by Intel and Broadcom. Over-the-air speeds of more than 5Gbps were reached by the companies using an Intel-powered laptop and a Broadcom access point.
With the inclusion of the wider 320MHz channels, the most recent iteration of wireless communications technology, which is based on the 802.11be standards, can reach faster over-the-air speeds than earlier generations. These are made accessible in the unlicensed 6GHz band.
During a demonstration of the technology, Intel stated that WiFi 7 also promised network capacity five times more than that made feasible by WiFi 6E, 100 times better “worst case latency,” and 15 times better latency for augmented and virtual reality devices.
WiFi 7 also incorporates 4K QAM modulation, enabling simultaneous connections across many bands and more effective use of the device’s available spectrum thanks to “multi-link operation” and enhanced channel utilisation.
All of this allows for more flexibility in how the spectrum and bandwidth are used, which will be advantageous for a range of use cases.
Wi-Fi 7’s deterministic operation, according to an Intel statement, “enables new product classes while supporting huge numbers of connected devices in the home or office, including augmented and virtual reality, ultra-high-definition 16K media streaming, and super-responsive and efficient gaming.”
When will WiFi 7 be available?
Even if the first products with WiFi 7 built-in won’t be available until the end of the year, Carlos Cordeiro, wireless CTO for Intel estimates that it won’t be until 2024 before the technology is included in equipment used in businesses.
According to Phil Solis, research director for connectivity at analyst firm IDC, “WiFi 7 is the most potent and capable WiFi protocol ever and will allow WiFi to continue to service the most demanding applications in the consumer and vertical industries with the highest level of determinism yet.”
Although widespread implementation of the technology is at least a year away, it will enable household customers to benefit fully from expanding multi-gigabit internet options and better network management for enterprise clients.
The demonstration, according to Vijay Nagarajan, vice president of Broadcom’s wireless connectivity division, shows that the ecosystem is prepared for WiFi 7 and will “provide tremendous capacity” in addition to “blazing fast speeds to extend gigabit broadband.”
A subsequent demonstration will highlight the multi-resource unit puncturing and multi-link operation that provide lower latency and improved dependability. The initial demonstration revealed 320 MHz channels and 4K QAM modulation enabling for multi-gig WiFi speeds.