Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it?

Wi-Fi 7 can be worth it if you need higher bandwidth, lower latency, and better performance for multiple connected devices. However, most current devices don’t support it yet. So, is Wi-Fi 7 worth it to your business? Unless you're looking to future-proof your network or have advanced needs, waiting might be a smarter move.

Some food for thought:

• How Wi-Fi 7 improves upon its predecessors
• The potential drawbacks of adopting Wi-Fi 7 early
• Reasons a business may want to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7
• How Wi-Fi 7 fares against wired connections
• Business considerations before looking to upgrade
• How Meter provides long-term solutions

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is the next wireless standard that brings faster speeds, lower lag, and better support for more devices. It can reach data rates up to 46 Gbps, making it great for streaming, gaming, and smart homes.

Key features include:

How Wi-Fi 7 stands out: Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 significantly raises the bar in performance and efficiency over its predecessors, delivering benefits across multiple aspects of network operation.

Understanding Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7 helps highlight why Wi-Fi 7 is a leap forward.

Faster speeds and enhanced bandwidth

Wi-Fi 7 brings faster speeds and more bandwidth to the table. One big upgrade is the use of 320 MHz channels—double the size of what Wi-Fi 6 offers. That means more data can zip through at once, pushing speeds up to a whopping 46 Gbps (goodbye, buffering).

With 4K-QAM modulation in play, Wi-Fi 7 can pack more data into each signal. It’s like stuffing more snacks into your bag—it just makes sense. That boost means faster data transfer, perfect for streaming, handling big files, or working in the cloud without annoying slowdowns.

The real perk? Less waiting around when tackling data-heavy tasks. Companies in media production or data analytics will appreciate that peak usage times won’t feel like traffic jams anymore.

Multi-link operation for high-density environments

Wi-Fi 7 shines when it comes to handling lots of connected devices. Thanks to Multi-Link Operation (MLO), devices can tap into multiple bands—2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz—all at once. That helps Wi-Fi 7 manage heavy traffic much better than older versions.

Offices, convention centers, or factories filled with devices can make Wi-Fi 6 and 6E feel a bit overwhelmed. Wi-Fi 7 spreads the traffic across different bands, making it less likely for things to slow down or glitch.

Picture a stadium packed with fans, each glued to their phones or using smart gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 spreads the load across all those bands, giving everyone more stable connections and fewer frustrating lags.

Lower latency for real-time applications

Latency is a big deal for apps that need real-time communication, like:

• AR/VR
• Gaming
• Video calls

Wi-Fi 7 tackles this by cutting latency to under 5 milliseconds in the best conditions. Wi-Fi 6, on the other hand, can see latency between 4 and 10 milliseconds, depending on the setup and how crowded the network is.

Industries that need quick response times, like telemedicine or virtual workspaces, will love this boost. Less lag means smoother interactions. In AR/VR, even tiny delays can mess with the experience, so lower latency makes a big difference.

Factories and automated systems can benefit, too. When machines need to sync up in real-time, Wi-Fi 7’s low latency helps everything stay on track, leading to better efficiency without frustrating issues.

High efficiency in multi-device ecosystems

Wi-Fi 7 is built for a time when every gadget from smart bulbs to IoT sensors wants a piece of the network. It’s designed to keep up by supporting up to 16 spatial streams, which means it can handle a lot of devices at once.

In real-life terms, Wi-Fi 7 delivers solid performance even in places packed with devices, like a warehouse full of sensors or an office with hundreds of phones and laptops buzzing. The result? More efficient networks and fewer slowdowns, even when everyone is online at the same time. No more blaming the Wi-Fi when your video call freezes at the worst possible moment!

Overall impact

Wi-Fi 7 packs a punch with better speed, more device support, and lower latency, making it a big deal for places that need fast data and quick responses. Wi-Fi 7 is ready to deliver for industries that need:

• Real-time data handling
• Support for loads of devices
• Super-fast file transfers

But before jumping on the upgrade wagon, businesses should look at their current setup and needs. It might make sense to wait until more Wi-Fi 7-compatible gadgets are out there.

For companies dealing with network congestion or using high-bandwidth apps, Wi-Fi 7 brings the tools to handle it. Sure, Wi-Fi 6E is no slouch, but Wi-Fi 7 takes full advantage of that 6 GHz spectrum and steps up the game for even better performance.

Potential drawbacks and Wi-Fi 7 upgrade considerations

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 sounds exciting, but it comes with a few bumps to consider.

Hardware limitations

Wi-Fi 7’s perks only work on devices built for it. Older laptops, phones, or IoT gadgets can still connect but won't enjoy the faster speeds or multi-link features. Upgrading a whole fleet to Wi-Fi 7-ready hardware can be a big investment.

High initial costs

Moving to Wi-Fi 7 isn’t a simple tweak—it’s more of an overhaul. Beyond just new routers and access points, infrastructure changes can be pricey. Businesses that recently switched to Wi-Fi 6 might feel the upgrade is a bit soon and tough to justify.

Compatibility issues

Mixing Wi-Fi 7 with older Wi-Fi 5 or 6 devices can be a juggling act. Legacy devices can cause congestion and impact performance, leaving network teams busy managing and optimizing different capabilities.

Implementation challenges

Rolling out Wi-Fi 7 across multiple sites takes time, planning, and resources. For companies already running at full throttle, this can mean delays and added strain on IT teams.

Limited device availability

Wi-Fi 7 is shiny and new, but compatible gadgets might not flood the market right away. Businesses could invest in the upgrade only to wait for more Wi-Fi 7-capable devices to catch up, leaving some potential unused for a while.

Does Wi-Fi 7 kill Ethernet?

No, Wi-Fi 7 doesn’t kill Ethernet. While Wi-Fi 7 offers impressive speeds and low latency that come closer to Ethernet performance, Ethernet still provides more stable and reliable wired connections, especially for high-priority or data-heavy tasks.

Wi-Fi 7 and Ethernet differ in a few main ways.

Connection type

The most obvious difference is the way in which the two are connected. Wi-Fi 7 is wireless, so no cables are needed. That means more freedom to place devices anywhere without worrying about cords. Ethernet, on the other hand, is nothing without cables. While that might sound old-school, those cords give you a direct and stable connection that many still love.

Speed and bandwidth

Wi-Fi 7 brings some serious speed, potentially up to 46 Gbps. That’s fast enough for most people to raise an eyebrow. But Ethernet often delivers its top speed without the issues that wireless might face. While Wi-Fi 7 comes close to Ethernet speeds, wired connections still win when it comes to consistency.

Stability and reliability

Ethernet is the champ for stability. It doesn’t care about walls, other devices, or how far you are from the router. Wi-Fi 7 has made big strides in reliability, but it’s still a wireless signal. Issues like interference or distance problems can still crop up, which Ethernet simply ignores.

Latency

Latency is where Ethernet usually shines. It’s hard to beat the near-zero lag of a wired connection. Wi-Fi 7 has improved latency a lot, making it great for:

• Video calls
• Gaming
• Streaming

For those who are really picky about low lag, Ethernet is still the top choice.

Installation

Deploying Wi-Fi 7 offers more flexibility than Ethernet. No cables mean no drilling or running wires through walls. Ethernet, while more of a project to set up, rewards you with a rock-solid connection once it’s in place. Be prepared to spend a bit more time (and maybe get creative) running those cables.

Use cases

Wi-Fi 7 is perfect for homes, offices, or public spaces where flexibility and fast wireless connections matter most. It’s great for many daily tasks. Ethernet, on the other hand, stands tallest in places where stability is king. Gaming setups, video editing, or running servers are all examples where Ethernet holds its ground.

What should businesses consider before upgrading?

Before upgrading to Wi-Fi 7, businesses should consider their:

• Current network performance
• Future growth plans
• Device compatibility
• Costs

Jumping to Wi-Fi 7 can be tempting, but it’s worth looking beyond the hype. Here’s what to think about before making the switch.

Assess current network performance

Take an honest look at your current setup. Is your network keeping up or buckling under high demand? If video calls drop, real-time collaboration lags, or IoT devices bog down, Wi-Fi 7 could solve these issues. But if everything is running well, there might not be a rush to upgrade.

Consider long-term scalability

Thinking about scaling up your business or adding new tech like AR or VR? Wi-Fi 7 can future-proof your network with features like multi-link operation and wider channels. It’s a good choice if you see your data needs growing soon.

Perform a cost-benefit analysis

You’re likely going to need more than the best Wi-Fi 7 router when considering an upgrade. In fact, it might mean getting all new devices, updating network infrastructure, and maybe even adjusting ISP plans to match those blazing speeds. Weigh whether the gains in speed and reliability justify the investment and any downtime during the rollout.

Check device compatibility

Before diving in, check if your current gadgets can even use Wi-Fi 7. Most older devices won’t tap into all its perks, so upgrading too early might leave you with a network that’s ahead of your hardware.

Think about training and adjustments

Switching to new tech comes with a learning curve. Make sure your team is ready to adapt to any changes in network management or troubleshooting. Balance the long-term advantages against potential downtime and a bit of training time.

Consider vendor and support availability

Not all vendors may fully support Wi-Fi 7 yet, so check compatibility and service options. Picking the right time to upgrade could mean easier operations and better support.

Timing and broader adoption

Wi-Fi 7 is still rolling out, and device options are limited. Waiting for more compatible products and updates could help avoid early adopter problems and save money.

How do I choose the best Wi-Fi 7 router or access point?

To choose the best Wi-Fi 7 router or access point, look for:

• Compatibility with your current devices
• Support for features like 320 MHz channels and multi-link operation
• Vendor reliability and future-proofing options
• Advanced security features

Meter is set to introduce Wi-Fi 7 hardware in Spring 2025. Our Network as a Service (NaaS) will upgrade customers' networks to Wi-Fi 7 access points automatically. No need for manual setup or expensive upgrades.

How Meter can help 

Meter answers the question of “is Wi-Fi 7 worth it?” with our end-to-end network solutions. Even with Wi-Fi 6 access points already delivering great performance, Meter manages the entire upgrade process—from planning to installation and ongoing support.

Your IT team can stay focused on bigger projects without worrying about network changes. Plus, Meter’s NaaS lets you access the newest tech without big upfront costs, making it easier to future-proof your network.

Key features of Meter’s solution include:

• Hardware updates: We can upgrade your network to Wi-Fi 7 when it’s available. 
• Comprehensive lifecycle management: Everything from network design to installation and ongoing monitoring is fully managed.
• Scalable solutions: Meter’s network can grow alongside your business, adapting to increasing demands over time.
• Proactive monitoring: Meter’s support continuously monitors your network to help prevent performance issues before they affect operations.
• No upfront costs: All hardware (i.e. switches), installation, and upgrades are included in a monthly fee.
• Advanced security features: Enterprise-grade DNS security comes standard to protect your network from potential threats.

Discover what Meter’s NaaS solution can offer your business either through our Meter trial program or by scheduling a demo.