More and more Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices have been appearing lately. The new standard, which was officially introduced in late 2023, can theoretically reach speeds about five times faster than previous versions. Still, many people are unsure whether they should switch now or whether Wi-Fi 7 is really necessary. This article presents the most important features of the long-awaited Wi-Fi 7, its practical uses and compatible devices – complemented by an honest assessment.
What is Wi-Fi 7? How much of an improvement is it compared to previous generations?
Wi-Fi 7, formally known as IEEE 802.11be, is the latest Wi-Fi standard released by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The global rollout of devices equipped with Wi-Fi 7 is still underway from the beginning of 2024, which brings significant improvements in network speed and stability.
Some notable improvements include, for example, a two-hour 4K movie that previously took 10 minutes to download and can now be downloaded in just 2 minutes. To put the numbers in perspective, the theoretical maximum speed of 46 Gbit/s is about 4.8 times faster than the current Wi-Fi 6/6E speed (9.6 Gbit/s).
Technically, Wi-Fi 7 uses three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), just like Wi-Fi 6E. By doubling the bandwidth in the 6 GHz range (from 160 to 320 MHz) and introducing multi-link operation (MLO), multiple connections can be used simultaneously, significantly improving network stability.
Since the launch of Wi-Fi 7 in early 2024, the number of compatible products in Australia has gradually increased. Companies with large amounts of data are particularly interested in this new technology. With the increasing use of cloud services, home office solutions and high-resolution streaming, Wi-Fi 7 is also expected to become increasingly popular in the home.
Wi-Fi 7’s innovative features
| Function | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard name | IEEE 802.11ax | IEEE 802.11ax | IEEE 802.11be |
| Year of publication | 2019 | 2020 | 2024 |
| Frequency band | 2.4 GHz； 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz； 5GHz； 6 GHz | 2.4 GHz； 5GHz； 6 GHz |
| Maximum speed | 9.6 Gbit/秒 | 9.6 Gbit/秒 | 46 Gbit/s |
| Modulation | 1024QAM | 1024QAM | 4096QAM |
| Maximum bandwidth | 160MHz | 160MHz | 320MHz |
| Main features | MU-MIMO、OFDMA | MU-MIMO、OFDMA | MLO（Multi-Link Operation） 320 MHz bandwidth |
Three key aspects of Wi-Fi 7 are significantly changing the communications landscape. Real-world use cases help better understand the importance of these features.
Significantly improved communication stability with MLO
MLO (Multi-Link Operation) is one of the most important innovations in Wi-Fi 7. Previously, Wi-Fi networks could only use one of the three frequencies, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, at the same time. MLO removes this limitation and allows multiple frequency ranges to be used simultaneously.
In simple terms, it’s like being able to seamlessly switch to a less busy lane when you’re stuck in traffic on a crowded road. This means that even with poor signal quality, the connection remains stable because data transmission always takes place over the best available path.
Significant capacity improvement with 320 MHz bandwidth
In the 6GHz band, Wi-Fi 7 doubles the available bandwidth from 160MHz to 320MHz. This is equivalent to doubling the number of lanes on a highway, which is especially beneficial for large data transmission.
Streaming 4K video is almost twice as fast as before, and the efficiency of processing multiple large files at once is significantly improved.
Improved efficiency with 4096-QAM
The modulation method for transmitting radio signals has been improved from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM. This enables approximately 1.2 times more data to be transmitted over the same radio waves, improving the efficiency of data transmission. This feature is particularly useful for short-distance communications under optimal signal conditions.
While all three features are useful in their own right, MLO and 320 MHz bandwidth in particular enable unprecedented communication speeds and stability. The GEEKOM Wi-Fi 7 compatible mini PC is designed to take full advantage of these new features and provide a future-proof communication experience.
Wi-Fi 7: The beginning of a new era of “communication”
What real changes will these technological advances bring? Through extensive testing, we found that Wi-Fi 7 is far more than a simple performance improvement – especially in solving traditional Wi-Fi problems.
Home and office applications
Until now, Wi-Fi has tended to become unstable when too many devices are used at the same time in a home or office. However, with Wi-Fi 7, MLO (Multi-Link Operation) ensures a stable connection even in crowded networks by using multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This significantly improves signal quality – both in an apartment building with many competing networks and in a large online meeting at a company.
Practical advantages of data transmission
For everyday Internet use, Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 are usually sufficient. Netflix streaming or online games can run smoothly under the current standards. Wi-Fi 7, on the other hand, shows advantages in specific application areas, such as B. when exchanging 3D data or transmitting high-resolution medical images in the industrial and architectural fields.
Future-oriented scalability
The high-speed and stable transmission of Wi-Fi 7 is designed for future applications. In areas where even milliseconds of latency are crucial – such as remote control of medical devices or industrial robots – Wi-Fi 7 can open up new possibilities. However, these technologies are still in the development phase. For the average user, the immediate benefits are currently quite limited.
Ultimately, Wi-Fi 7 is not just about increasing speed, it also aims to achieve wired-like reliability in the wireless space. Depending on the application, completely new possibilities emerge.
Industry-specific innovations with Wi-Fi 7
Let’s take a look at how Wi-Fi 7 is changing different industries in Australia. Depending on the environment and application, the effects can vary greatly.
Supporting the digital transformation of enterprises
With the growing trend towards hybrid working, the need for stable communication solutions is also increasing. Large-scale office tests in Germany have shown that MLO achieves consistently high connection quality even with multiple video conferences taking place simultaneously on the same floor. It was also found that remote desktop work can be carried out on multiple large monitors with cable-like stability.
Infrastructure and building technology
In large office buildings and manufacturing plants, where wired networks were previously indispensable, Wi-Fi 7 can enable new applications. These include wireless control of transport robots, the implementation of wireless security camera systems and building automation using IoT sensors. This technology significantly reduces structural constraints and allows for a more flexible infrastructure design.
Potential for Future Technologies
Wi-Fi 7’s low latency and high speeds are particularly promising for industrial applications. While 8K streaming is still a thing of the future for the mass market, the technology is already being tested in the German industry. It’s only a matter of time before it comes to Australia, with possible application areas including wireless transmission of 3D data on construction sites or robot control in production – areas that previously required wired solutions.
GEEKOM Wi-Fi 7 Compatible PC Models
GEEKOM is adapting its product line to the new generation of Wi-Fi. In addition to supporting the latest wireless connections, practical use in daily life is also taken into consideration：
New flagship: GEEKOM GT1 Mega
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 185H or Ultra 7 155H or Ultra 5-125H .
- Intel® Arc™ Graphics supports Ray Tracing and XeSS.
- Dual-channel DDR5-5600 SODIMM, up to 64GB.
- M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 ×4 SSD, up to 2 TB.
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, Intel® Bluetooth® 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7.
With a 14th Gen Intel® Core™ Ultra processor, GT1 Mega takes full advantage of Wi-Fi 7. Thanks to MLO and 320 MHz bandwidth, it enables seamless 4K/8K output and handles demanding tasks with high efficiency and quiet cooling.
Cost-effective tip: GEEKOM A6
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H.
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics 680M.
- Dual-channel DDR5 4800MT/s, up to 64GB.
- M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 ×4 SSD, up to 2TB.
- 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth® 5.2.
- Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, ready to use.
The GEEKOM A6 offers solid performance and Wi-Fi 6E support at an affordable price. For everyday applications, the AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H is more than enough. Thanks to Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gbit Ethernet, it ensures a stable and fast connection – an attractive model for price-conscious users.
Summary
Wi-Fi 7 represents a revolutionary development in wireless communications. In addition to being five times faster than previous standards, MLO technology enables the use of multiple frequency bands simultaneously, significantly improving the stability of the connection. This is particularly beneficial in data-intensive environments.
However, creating the right infrastructure is essential to fully realise the benefits of Wi-Fi 7. There are currently several Wi-Fi 7 routers available in the Australian market, and the choice of compatible devices is increasing. Despite this, you should check whether your home or office network can already be upgraded to the latest standard.
When deciding to upgrade, costs and personal needs should be taken into account. Modern models such as the GT1 Mega can fully exploit the potential of Wi-Fi 7 and are ideal for future-proofing your network infrastructure. However, if you are happy with your current setup, devices such as the A6, which supports Wi-Fi 6E, offer a reasonable and cost-effective alternative.
