Wi-Fi 7: The future of wireless connectivity

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, is the successor to Wi-Fi 6 and represents the next evolutionary step in wireless network technology. It is expected to offer a maximum speed of up to 30 Gbit/s, which is more than three times the speed of Wi-Fi 6. This breathtaking speed is achieved through a combination of innovative technologies and improved standards.

Benefits of Wi-Fi 7

This results in an benefit for products with Wi-Fi technology that product developers can use to improve their products or make them interesting for certain application areas:

• Faster transfer rates:
  With a maximum speed of 30 Gbit/s, product developers can createapplications and services that were previously unthinkable.
  From 8K video streaming to virtual reality and augmented reality, Wi-Fi 7 opens up countless possibilities for high-end applications.
• Higher capacity:
  Wi-Fi 7 will offer significantly higher network capacity, meaning more devices can access the network simultaneously without
  compromising performance. This is ideal for high-density environments such as stadium events or open-plan offices.
• Lower latency:
  Wi-Fi 7 will reduce latency, which is critical in real-time applications such as online gaming and video conferencing.
  Product developers can create responsive applications that work in real time.
• Improved energy efficiency:
  Wi-Fi 7 will also be more energy efficient, extending the battery life of wireless devices and therefore improving the user experience.

Technical characteristics and features of Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7, is the latest generation of wireless network technology and brings with it some fundamental technical improvements over its predecessors:

• Frequency range:
  Wi-Fi 7 will operate in the 6 GHz frequency range, resulting in less interference and higher transmission speeds.
• MU-MIMO:
  Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) will be further improved to enable
  even more efficient data transmission for multiple devices simultaneously.
• BSS Coloring:
  The introduction of Basic Service Set (BSS) Coloring further increases the efficiency
  and performance of the network.
• Modulation types:
  Wi-Fi 7 will use a wide range of modulation types, including advanced techniques such as 1024-QAM,
  to increase the data transmission rate.

Differences between Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6

The main differences between Wi-Fi 7 and its predecessors, such as Wi-Fi 6, are in speed, capacity and latency. Wi-Fi 7 offers significantly higher speed and capacity while further reducing latency. These improvements are particularly beneficial in applications with high bandwidth usage and realtime requirements.

This also results in a wide variety of uses for Wi-Fi 7, whether in smartphones, tablets, laptops and tablets, smart home devices, industrial applications or healthcare: Wi-Fi 7 offers many advantages for the functionality of devices with Wi-Fi technology.

Is Wi-Fi 7 backwards compatible?

The backward compatibility of Wi-Fi 7 is in line with the compatibility of previous WLAN standards. A wireless connection between older clients and new Wi-Fi 7 routers is therefore generally provided for. The same applies to the connection between Wi-Fi 7 smartphones and older wireless routers. In both cases, however, communication takes place using the older protocol with a reduced set of features.

Regulatory requirements for devices with Wi-Fi 7

Products incorporating Wi-Fi 7 technology must meet specific regulatory standards to ensure safe and compliant market entry. The regulations are essential for ensuring that Wi-Fi 7 products meet the necessary safety, performance, and environmental standards before they enter the market. Failure to comply with these regulatory requirements can lead to significant consequences, including product recalls, fines, and reputational damage.

• In the European Union, these products are subject to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) regulations (EN 303 687).
• In the United States, Wi-Fi 7 products must comply with standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (eCFR 47 FCC Part 15.407)

The regulatory testing and certification process for Wi-Fi 7 products involves ensuring compliance with these standards. This process includes testing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), product safety, battery performance, and other aspects depending on the product type and market. It’s crucial for manufacturers to work with accredited laboratories and certification bodies to navigate the complexities of these regulatory requirements effectively.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7: The certification program from the Wi-Fi Alliance

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global association dedicated to the development, promotion and certification of Wi-Fi technology. Its goal is to ensure a seamless wireless experience for users and drive the adoption of Wi-Fi technology. A central concern of the Wi-Fi Alliance is to ensure the compatibility and interoperability of Wi-Fi products. This enables different manufacturers to develop Wi-Fi products that can be seamlessly connected with each other.

With Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7, the Wi-Fi Alliance offers a comprehensive certification program to ensure that products meet the standards and interoperability requirements. Product developers who want to integrate Wi-Fi 7 into their products can benefit from this program to ensure that their devices can communicate seamlessly with other Wi-Fi enabled devices.

Wi-Fi 7 certification at cetecom advanced

As a leading company in compliance testing and certification of wireless technologies, cetecom advanced is your competent partner for Wi-Fi 7 certification. Our experts are at your side to ensure that your products meet the highest standards and can take full advantage of Wi-Fi 7.

This concerns both the regulatory testing and international market approval of devices with Wi-Fi technology as well as Wi-Fi certification based on the specifications of the Wi-Fi Alliance.