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Update your browserWi-Fi has totally changed the way we connect to the digital world. And with each new upgrade, we’ve seen faster speeds, the ability to connect more devices, and better security. This year, Wi-Fi 7 officially landed, giving us yet another exciting leap forward in wireless tech. But, like with all new tech, it won’t be everywhere overnight—businesses and homes will need time to upgrade their systems to really take advantage of it. So, what’s next after Wi-Fi 7? Let’s have a look at the trends and advancements that will shape the future of this essential technology.
Wi-Fi 7 made its debut at the start of 2024, bringing with it a massive boost in speed, lower latency, and better efficiency—making it a game-changer for many industries. With speeds of up to 30 Gbps, it uses advanced tech like 4K-QAM modulation and wider channels (up to 320 MHz) to really ramp up performance. This means smoother experiences for things like 4K and 8K video streaming, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).
That said, it’s going to take a few years before it’s widely adopted. Businesses and households will need time to switch over to new routers and devices that can handle this next-gen tech. But when Wi-Fi 7 becomes more mainstream, we’ll see it have a big impact across sectors like education, healthcare, and government, where fast, reliable wireless connectivity is a must.
he future of Wi-Fi is closely tied to the exponential growth of edge computing. With more data being processed right where it’s generated (on the “edge”), Wi-Fi networks need to handle not just more devices, but an increasing amount of real-time data processing. Wi-Fi 7’s lower latency and greater bandwidth make it the perfect match for edge computing, especially in environments where split-second decision-making is crucial.
This synergy is already making waves in areas like healthcare and education, where real-time data processing is improving outcomes. Imagine real-time analytics in classrooms or operating rooms, powered by Wi-Fi 7 and edge computing, delivering instant insights and enhancing efficiency.
Wi-Fi’s role in connecting the Internet of Things (IoT) is only going to get bigger. With Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) designed for low-power, long-range IoT applications, it’ll work hand-in-hand with Wi-Fi 7 to keep billions of devices seamlessly connected. This will fuel everything from smart cities to industrial automation, providing a solid backbone for all these connected devices.
In workplaces, this means IoT applications that rely on Wi-Fi can run more smoothly—whether it’s in smart buildings, factories, or schools. As IoT adoption grows, and with Wi-Fi 7’s ability to handle lots of devices at once, we’ll see better asset management and real-time monitoring becoming the norm.
With new tech always comes the need for stronger security. Wi-Fi 7, along with evolving security protocols like WPA3, is set to play a key role in strengthening defences for enterprise networks. As more organisations embrace a Zero Trust approach, keeping Wi-Fi networks secure will be more important than ever.
Looking ahead, we can expect to see advanced features like device fingerprinting and behavioural analytics built right into Wi-Fi systems, allowing IT teams to spot and tackle threats in real-time. This will be especially crucial in areas dealing with sensitive data, like healthcare, government, and education.
Contrary to what many think, 5G and Wi-Fi aren’t rivals—they actually work hand in hand. Wi-Fi is still the go-to for indoor connectivity, offering faster speeds and lower costs, while 5G excels outdoors and in situations where mobility is key. Together, Wi-Fi 7 and 5G will create a seamless experience as users move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Take a university campus, for example. Students could seamlessly switch from Wi-Fi inside to 5G outside without missing a beat. This uninterrupted, high-speed connection will make both learning and communication smoother than ever.
Sustainability is another big area where Wi-Fi is set to evolve. Future Wi-Fi technology, including Wi-Fi 7, will focus on cutting energy use through smart power management features. These improvements won’t just lower operational costs—they’ll also help reduce carbon footprints across various industries.
This is especially important for large organisations, where hundreds or even thousands of devices are always connected. Energy-efficient Wi-Fi will support sustainability goals while boosting overall efficiency.
Now that Wi-Fi 7 has arrived, the next few years will see it becoming a key player in building faster, more secure, and energy-efficient wireless networks. Whether it’s supporting IoT, working alongside edge computing, or boosting sustainability, the future of Wi-Fi looks promising. As organisations gradually make the switch to Wi-Fi 7 and its advanced features, they’ll be in a much stronger position to keep up with the growing demands of our ever-connected digital world.
At Qirx, we’re ready to help your organisation navigate the next wave of Wi-Fi technology. Whether it’s upgrading your current infrastructure or integrating IoT and edge computing solutions, our expert team is here to support your journey into the future of connectivity. Contact us today to book a Wi-Fi Survey and ensure your business network is futureproofed, or download our Wi-Fi Assessment sheet below.