As wireless technology continues to evolve, the potential for increasingly sophisticated Wi-Fi standards is becoming more of a reality. With enhanced connectivity, multi-user support and faster speeds in mind, Wi-Fi 7 emerges as the latest iteration in wireless networking set to revolutionise the way we live, play and work. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the new Wi-Fi standard and get you up to speed on its features, benefits and what it means for the current Wi-Fi 6 standard.
WiFi 7: The basics
Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the latest iteration of Wi-Fi technology that delivers faster speeds, improved latency and better overall performance. It builds upon the foundations laid by Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, and brings several innovations to enhance our connected experience even further.
WiFi 7 features
Enhanced channel bandwidths
Wi-Fi 7 introduces 320MHz channel bandwidth, doubling the bandwidth offered by Wi-Fi 6E. This increase paves the way for massive throughput gains, allowing for peak data transfer rates of over 40 Gbps.
Advanced multi-link options
Wi-Fi 7 incorporates multi-link capabilities to improve throughput and reduce latency. High-Band Simultaneous Multi-Link technology allows two Wi-Fi radios to operate concurrently in high-frequency bands, ensuring optimal performance even in congested areas.
Next-generation modulation techniques
Wi-Fi 7 implements 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), significantly increasing peak data rates, throughput, and capacity compared to 1K QAM used in earlier standards.
Adaptive channel utilisation
Wi-Fi 7 uses preamble puncturing to bypass interference on certain channels, allowing wider bandwidth use and improved overall performance.
WiFi 7 benefits
Increased speed and extremely high throughput
With 320MHz bandwidth and 6 GHz spectrum, Wi-Fi 7 offers higher speeds and better throughput for connected devices.
Reduced latency
Thanks to Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Wi-Fi 7 improves responsiveness for latency-sensitive applications like gaming and video calls.
Enhanced multi-user support
Wi-Fi 7 supports up to 16 spatial streams, doubling the capacity of previous generations and better supporting busy households or workplaces.
Superior mesh network performance
Better access point coordination enhances mesh network performance for consistent coverage across larger homes.
Stronger performance in crowded areas
Wi-Fi 7 handles high-density environments more efficiently, ideal for apartments, shopping centres, or shared office spaces.
WiFi 7 routers and compatibility
Wi-Fi 7 routers and devices are now available and continue to roll out across the market. While Wi-Fi 7 is backward compatible with previous standards, you’ll need a compatible router and device to enjoy the full benefits.
WiFi 6 vs 7
While Wi-Fi 7 brings major improvements, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E still deliver excellent performance for most users. Unless you have Wi-Fi 7 capable devices and high-bandwidth demands, Wi-Fi 6 remains a strong and reliable choice.
The value of Wi-Fi 6 and MATE’s modem/router options
MATE offers two high-performance devices that are ready for today’s internet needs:
- TP-Link VX230v – a Wi-Fi 6 modem/router ideal for FTTN/FTTB connections or customers using VoIP
- TP-Link HB210 Pro – a mesh-ready Wi-Fi 6 router perfect for FTTP, HFC, FTTC, or Fixed Wireless (no VoIP)
Both are plug-and-play, fully unlocked, and support multiple devices, secure encryption, and fast speeds. They are compatible with any nbn technology and are great options whether you’re waiting for Wi-Fi 7 adoption to grow or simply want the best performance today.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 7 is now here, bringing faster, smarter, and more efficient wireless connectivity. But if your household doesn’t yet have compatible devices or your needs don’t demand it, Wi-Fi 6 is still a top-tier choice for reliable internet performance — especially when paired with a MATE-supplied modem/router.
