Wi-Fi 7 also provides security features, including a mandatory implementation of WPA3 encryption in the 6GHz spectrum. This provides secure roaming for devices while also strengthening security measures.
“Its encryption protocol strengthens security measures against various threats, including offline dictionary attacks and vulnerabilities exploited in previous iterations,” says Chau.
Wi-Fi 7 will prioritize official emergency preparedness communication to ensure that those channels always remain clear and reliable.
“Wi-Fi 7’s faster speeds, improved security and energy efficiency will revolutionize wireless connectivity for end users,” says Chau. “It will present fresh opportunities for enhancing the design and configuration of intelligent buildings.”
Navigating the Road Ahead to Wi-Fi 7
Though Wi-Fi 7 marks an advancement in the tech space, adoption rates won’t be as dramatic as when Wi-Fi 6E entered the scene.
“Wi-Fi 6E is recognized as a landmark in Wi-Fi history for ushering in the era of 6GHz Wi-Fi connectivity,” says Coleman. “Opening up this pristine ‘spectrum superhighway’ significantly expanded the capacity of wireless networks and set the groundwork for future Wi-Fi generations, including Wi-Fi 7 and 8.”
The announcement is just the first step, cautions Rich Cruz, a senior enterprise wireless field solution architect for CDW.
Ratification (or approval) will follow and is anticipated later this year. After that, it’s up to the supply chain, more or less, as to when devices have the necessary hardware to support this new generation.
Cruz advises IT leadership to look at the Wi-Fi Alliance website, a good resource for comparing their existing technology with the advancements being made.
“It’s a wonderful starting point,” says Cruz. “You can understand where the industry is heading and the availability to client devices.”
Patrick Kennedy, principal inside solution architect for networking at CDW Education, suggests evaluating the existing LAN. It’s common for this infrastructure (including cables and access points) to lag behind Wi-Fi updates. If an institution doesn’t have the right supporting infrastructure, they won’t reap the benefits of the latest Wi-Fi generation.
“There’s going to be a significant infrastructure requirement to make sure you can support Wi-Fi 7 access points,” says Kennedy.
Additionally, look at existing switches, which likely will need to be updated to support newer Wi-Fi versions.
“To realize the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, it’s imperative to deploy cables and access points that can handle such speed and power demands,” warns Chau.
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