As technologies continue to advance through the years, especially internet-related technology, you know that there is a plethora of devices you rely on every single day to stay connected, entertained, and productive. Perhaps the most depended upon of all home and office internet technologies today is WiFi. And since WiFi technology is upgrading yet again, this time to WiFi 7, you might be wondering if it’s time to change your router, especially if you’re using even older equipment!
You might also be asking if there is any meaningful difference between your current version of WiFi and the soon-to-be-standard WiFi 7. Below, we dive into the differences between WiFi 6 (the current and most common standard) and WiFi 7, the improvements WiFi 7 promises, and whether it’s worth upgrading your router right now or waiting a bit longer. It’s all designed to help you make the most of Geneseo Communications’ high-speed fiber internet to power everything you need in your home or office!
WiFi 6: The Previous Standard Since 2019 and Its Superiority Over WiFi 5
Let’s begin by examining the current standard in WiFi technology: WiFi 6. Also known by a far techier name, 802.11ax, WiFi 6 was introduced to the market for widespread use in 2019. Though it’s been available for several years now, many people are still using routers with WiFi 6’s predecessor, WiFi 5. And for them, it’s no wonder they may experience slower, more sluggish internet! Indeed, WiFi 6 was a major upgrade from its forerunner.
For starters, WiFi 6 provides much higher maximum speeds than WiFi 5—about 40% faster. Its maximum speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps can keep up with the fastest, most reliable internet service available—fiber internet, like Geneseo Communications’ advanced fiber network. Additionally, WiFi 6 has far greater range than WiFi 5, as well, extending the signal it transmits to reach more areas of your home or business with faster internet speed.
Other breakthroughs in WiFi 6 technology improved performance by allowing more devices to be used simultaneously without reducing internet speed or quality. WiFi 6 also employs greater security than WiFi 5. Utilizing WPA3 (an enhanced security application), WiFi 6 provides more robust encryption and better protection against cyberattacks and other online threats to your home’s internet.
So, before we take a closer look at the latest WiFi technology on the market (WiFi 7), you might want to check your current router and other equipment to see just how old they are. If you last purchased a router prior to 2019, chances are good that you’re still using WiFi 5, a technology that is now two generations old! Keep this in mind as you think about your current internet performance and learn about what WiFi 7 has to offer.
The Latest WiFi Technology: WiFi 7
We now turn to the newest WiFi technology to hit the market: WiFi 7 (or 802.11be). First introduced in early 2024, WiFi 7 is already generating a lot of buzz due to its impressive features, especially its phenomenal potential download speeds.
WiFi 7 will offer theoretical maximum download speeds of up to an eye-popping 46 Gbps! That’s almost five times faster than WiFi 6’s capabilities. Such spectacular speeds will be especially useful for bandwidth-heavy applications like 8K video streaming, ultra-fast large file transfers, and ever-more stunning virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) experiences.
But WiFi 7’s advantages go well beyond its jaw-dropping speeds. Its latency is improved as well, enhancing real-time applications such as online gaming, video conferencing, and remote work communications and project management. WiFi 7 also uses 320 MHz channels, doubling the 160 MHz supported by WiFi 6. This means it can transmit more data at once, increasing overall performance, especially in crowded environments with multiple devices chewing up the internet.
Additionally, WiFi 7 features Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to connect across multiple bands simultaneously (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). This increases throughput and further reduces latency while improving overall reliability. When considered together, WiFi 7 is a major upgrade over WiFi 6, and leaves WiFi 5 (the pre-2019 version) in the dust!
Is it Time to Upgrade Your Router to WiFi 7?
Having detailed WiFi 7 and how it outperforms WiFi 6, you may be considering whether it’s time to upgrade your router to WiFi 7 compatibility. As with most tech and device-related questions, there’s no “one size fits all” solution. Instead, you should assess several factors and decide if investing in a new router that can handle WiFi 7 is right for you at this time.
The first thing to ask yourself is if any of your other devices and hardware are also WiFi 7 compatible—that is, if they are designed and manufactured relatively recently and equipped to handle WiFi 7’s power and features. This goes for newer laptops and tablets, but also for smart TVs. If you’ve purchased any of these and regularly rely on them for everyday use, it’s probably worth considering investing in a WiFi 7-capable router, too.
Further, you should consider your home internet plan and tier, especially its maximum download speeds. If your internet plan is 1Gpbs or greater, you can take advantage of WiFi 7’s superior technology. On the other hand, if you aren’t subscribed to a plan with speeds greater than 1Gbps yet, you may not find a new WiFi 7-capable router worth it right now.
You should also consider your typical online activities, especially if your streaming services offer 8k video for your smart TVs. If you are a serious gamer or enjoy AR or VR games and other applications, WiFi 7 will likely enhance these experiences greatly. Other WiFi-intensive activities like large file sharing, video uploading, or video conferencing may also be boosted by WiFi 7.
Taken together, WiFi 7 holds great promise for home internet customers. Whether it’s time to invest in a new router depends on factors that differ from home to home. That said, if you’re still using a router made prior to 2019 with WiFi 5 technology, it’s probably time to take the leap to WiFi 7 and upgrade your router now!
Of course, should you have any questions about how to improve your home’s internet performance, Geneseo Communications’ knowledgeable representatives are available to help guide you further.