CLOUDY Podcast | #40 Wi-Fi 7: The End of Slow Internet? What the New Generation / New Generation of Wi-Fi Can Really Do
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How Wi-Fi Differs from a Wired Network and What Obstacles It Faces
From a regular user's perspective, the main advantage of Wi-Fi lies in the simplicity and convenience of connection. Unlike a wired network, the signal propagates through the air in the form of waves that encounter physical obstacles. While in an open outdoor area the range can reach up to 100 meters, indoors it is reduced to approximately 40 to 50 meters due to walls, furniture, or closed doors. Furthermore, the quality and range of the signal change over time due to routine building operations, the movement of people, or interference from household appliances such as microwave ovens.
“The biggest disadvantage of a Wi-Fi network is that it works even when deployed poorly.” – Michal Mardiak, Wireless Network Engineer at Alef Distribution
Where Did the Name Wi-Fi 7 Come From and How Do Generation Designations Originate?
Wireless network technology first appeared approximately 35 years ago under the designation Wireless Fidelity. The technical standard is overseen by the international IEEE organization under the 802.11 designation, with individual evolutionary versions originally labeled with confusing letter suffixes. To eliminate confusion among users, the Wi-Fi Alliance decided in 2018 to introduce simple generational numbering, such as Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, and the current Wi-Fi 7. Devices bearing the Wi-Fi Alliance certification sticker guarantee mutual compatibility and support for designated functionalities.
MLO and the 6 GHz Band: What Is the Main Revolution Behind Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 brings major technological shifts that primarily address network congestion and security:
Opening of the 6 GHz Band: The current 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands tend to be heavily congested in densely populated or corporate environments. The new 6 GHz band operates as an entirely new highway with a vast number of non-overlapping channels.
Multi-Link Operation (MLO): While in older generations a client device had to select only one band and ignore the rest, MLO technology enables a device to be connected across multiple bands simultaneously. This increases transmission capacity and allows for flexible bypassing of local interference.
Mandatory Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) Security: In the new 6 GHz band, the WPA3 standard is mandatory for Wi-Fi 7, which significantly increases the security level of transmitted data.
Home Router vs. Corporate Network: Why Isn't Buying a New Access Point Enough?
When upgrading to Wi-Fi 7, simply replacing the Access Points themselves is not sufficient. In a corporate environment, it is also necessary to prepare the downstream wired infrastructure and switches, which must handle higher data throughput and provide power over PoE. Unlike households, where a single device serves a few users, hundreds of devices connect in companies, often transferring large volumes of data simultaneously. For this reason, a detailed design, signal propagation simulation, and on-site measurements are key to the proper functioning of a corporate network.
Is It Safe to Connect to Public "Free Wi-Fi"?
Connecting to unfamiliar wireless networks carries risks. Many users automatically connect to any network containing the word "Free" without realizing that any attacker can broadcast the exact same network name. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is therefore recommended to use encrypted HTTPS protocols, virtual private networks (VPNs), and maintain basic caution.
Older Generations vs. Wi-Fi 7: What Is the Difference Between Them?
Older Wi-Fi generations primarily utilize the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with devices always communicating through only one selected band.
Wi-Fi 7 adds full utilization of the 6 GHz band and, thanks to MLO technology, can aggregate data streams across multiple bands simultaneously.
The biggest difference lies in capacity, efficiency, and security. Backward compatibility is fully preserved, so older laptops or phones can still connect to the new infrastructure, even though they will not utilize the full speed potential of Wi-Fi 7.
What Is the Key Takeaway?
Wi-Fi 7 does not merely represent a cosmetic speed boost, but a fundamental leap in the capacity, efficiency, and security of wireless networks. For companies building a new network or planning an infrastructure refresh for the next 5 to 10 years, Wi-Fi 7 represents the most suitable investment for the future.
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