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The Wi-Fi Alliance announced Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 at the start of 2024 , which marks the starting point for the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 among both consumers and businesses . David Coleman , Director of Wireless Networking at the Office of the CTO , Extreme Networks , explores why we ’ re seeing increased adoption of Wi-Fi 7 , especially in the workplace , and how exactly it ’ ll improve day-to-day business .

HILE NUMEROUS

BUSINESSES are beginning to tap into the potential of the 6 GHz wireless spectrum unleashed by Wi-Fi 6E , the Wi-Fi Alliance has already propelled us further into the future with the announcement of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 at the outset of 2024 . Boasting even more remarkable capabilities , the announcement marks the starting point for the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 among both consumers and businesses . And with an increasing number of Wi-Fi 7 devices becoming available ( such as the Google Pixel 8 ), the race is already underway .

So , let ’ s answer a few FAQs .

What ’ s so special about Wi-Fi 7 , and how will it improve our day-to-day working lives ? What about cellular networks such as the new 5G ? And is it worth upgrading if you ’ ve already installed Wi-Fi 6 and 6E ? After all , you could bide your time and wait for Wi-Fi 8 . . . .

What ’ s so special about Wi-Fi 7 ?

Before we get into Wi-Fi 7 , let ’ s establish some context by taking a quick look at the two preceding versions and how they improved our networks .

Wi-Fi 6 : The critical upgrade for Wi-Fi 6 was a multi-user technology called OFDMA , akin to a sophisticated traffic management system for highways , optimising the flow and reducing congestion , thus enhancing the efficiency of crowded Wi-Fi environments .

Wi-Fi 6E : While OFDMA remains a standout feature , its significance dims in comparison to the paradigm shift that begins with Wi-Fi 6E . This Wi-Fi generation is recognised as a landmark in Wi-Fi history for ushering in the

OPENING UP THIS PRISTINE ‘ SPECTRUM SUPERHIGHWAY ’ SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED THE CAPACITY OF WIRELESS NETWORKS AND SET THE GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE WI- FI GENERATIONS .