The Wi-Fi Alliance has announced that the certification process for Wi-Fi 7, the latest standard in wireless networking, is anticipated to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Wi-Fi Certified 7, based on IEEE 802.11be technology, is expected to be available before the end of Q1 2024, as stated on the Wi-Fi Alliance website.

The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 devices into the market signifies a significant leap forward, with the Alliance emphasizing its role in fostering worldwide interoperability and delivering enhanced Wi-Fi performance for the next generation of connected devices. The standard is poised to cater to applications demanding high throughput, reduced latency, and heightened reliability, particularly those involving augmented reality, virtual reality, extended reality, immersive 3D training, and ultra-high definition video streaming.

Wi-Fi 7 boasts notable advancements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, with Kristen Hanich, an analyst at Parks Associates, highlighting its dramatically increased speeds. Wi-Fi 7 is projected to reach speeds of up to 46 Gbps, a substantial improvement compared to the maximum 10 Gbps offered by Wi-Fi 6E. Beyond speed, one of the anticipated features of Wi-Fi 7 is multi-link operation (MLO), a capability set to enhance spectrum efficiency by aggregating multiple radio links.

Andrew Spivey, a senior analyst with ABI Research, emphasized the significance of MLO in overcoming spectrum congestion challenges, allowing for dynamic connections to multiple bands. Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 enables access to the recently released 6 GHz band, effectively doubling the available spectrum and addressing capacity issues in the U.S.

While the market has witnessed the rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E since their introductions in 2019 and 2021, respectively, Wi-Fi 7 is expected to gain traction swiftly due to the demand for its innovative features. Despite Wi-Fi 6’s ongoing popularity, Wi-Fi 7 is set to meet the increasing need for network capacity.

Kristen Hanich acknowledged that the competition between standards, notably Wi-Fi 7 against Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, may be influenced by factors such as price. Wi-Fi 7’s higher bandwidth may exceed current consumer needs, but it is anticipated to find success in specific niches like AR/VR applications and enterprise environments requiring rapid data movement.

While Wi-Fi 7’s certification is a significant milestone, its integration into the market is expected to take time. Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst with SmartTech Research, highlighted various factors influencing adoption, including device availability, cost, perceived benefits, and marketing strategies. As seen with previous Wi-Fi standards, widespread adoption typically takes two to three years. Despite the initial presence of pre-certification Wi-Fi 7 devices, broader ecosystem integration may require some time.