WiFi 7 promises lightning-quick connectivity across all your devices. It’s the next must-have upgrade for gamers, streamers, and content creators.
If you’re looking to update your internet to WiFi 7, we’re here with everything you need to know before you do.
What is WiFi 7?
Set to be released in 2024, WiFi 7 is the latest standard boasting huge advancements over previous generations. This WiFi standard has been designed to deliver ultra-fast speeds on virtually any device with improved efficiency.
With WiFi 7 you can achieve up to 320MHz ultra-wide bandwidth, up to 4.8x faster speeds than WiFi 6, and 100x lower latency. Everything you need to stream the latest videos or download your favourite AAA games.
WiFi 7 vs WiFi 6: What’s The Difference?
Our handy table below highlights all the key differences between WiFi 7 and WiFi 6.
| WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| IEEE standard | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Max data rate | 9.6 Gbps | 46 Gbps |
| Bands | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Channel size | 20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160MHz | Up to 320MHz |
| Modulation | 1024-QAM sOFDMA | 4096-QAM OFDMA (with extensions) |
| MIMO | 8 x 8 UL/DL MU-MIMO | 16 x 16 UL/DL MU-MIMO |
| Multi-RUs | RU | Multi-RUs |
| MAC | – | MLO |
Key Features of WiFi 7
Double Bandwidth
WiFi 7 harnesses the full potential of the 6GHz bandwidth to deliver speeds of up to 320MHz. This means you can take advantage of quick transfer rates even when processing multiple tasks or downloads at once.
4K-QAM
Thanks to 4K-QAM, you can take advantage of higher transmission rates to enjoy streaming at 4K/8K or ultra-fast online multiplayer gaming with near-zero lag.
16 x 16 MU-MIMO
WiFi 7 features an increase in spatial streams from 8 to 16, to ensure all your connected devices boast quick speeds and improved efficiency.
Multi-RU
Expanding on the limitations of a singular RU in WiFi 6, WiFi 7 now includes multiple RUs to deliver fast transfer rates.
Multi-Link Operation
WiFi 7 now enables your devices to harness multi-link aggregation to unlock high throughput, low latencies, and enhanced efficiency.
Get Ready to Boost Your Connectivity
Are you looking to upgrade to WiFi 7? More and more compatible hardware is hitting the shelves at Overclockers UK, meaning you are sure to find your next upgrade to help boost your connectivity.
To fully utilise WiFi 7, you’ll need either a compatible router or motherboard. Thankfully, we’ve got both of those for you linked below.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Quad-Band WiFi 7 Gaming Router
- Gaming router
- WiFi 7
- Quad-band
- Triple-level game acceleration
- Mobile game mode
- Backup WAN
ASUS RT-BE88U Dual-band WiFi 7 Performance Router
- Dual-band WiFi router
- Compatible with WiFi 7
- Integrated quad-core CPU
- Up to 9 LAN ports
- Up to 7200Mbps
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi 7 DDR5 ATX Motherboard
- ATX motherboard
- LGA 1700
- WiFi 7 compatible
- Supports DDR5
- PCIe 5.0
Will You Be Upgrading to WiFi 7?
Have you already upgraded to WiFi 7? Or perhaps you are still considering it? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
- 3 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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Moved from an Asus Zen AX Wifi6 Mesh system to an Asus BQ16 Wifi7 Mesh system last week. 2 nodes have the same range and coverage as previous 3, same easy-to-use mobile app, and speeds are up almost 100% compared to previous Mesh.
Yes it’s expensive, but if you think about something you’ll be using for 4-5 years and will keep pace as fibre bandwidth goes up (I’ve gone from 900Mbps to 2Gbps), it’s a worthwhile investment.
via GIPHY