WiFi 7 vs WiFi 8
WiFi 7 (802.11be) was developed to enhance data rates and reduction in latency in crowded environments, succeeding WiFi-6 (802.11ax). WiFi 8 (802.11bn) is the subsequent standard, focusing on improving reliability of WLAN connectivity, increase manageability and increase throughput. Let us compare WiFi 7 vs WiFi 8 and understand similarities and difference between WiFi 7 and WiFi 8
What is WiFi 7 ?
IEEE is developing wifi 7 specifications under the series 802.11be. It will support double bandwidth and higher spatial streams compare to 802.11ax version. WiFi 7 will support data rate as high as 40 Gbps. It is expected to be launched in the year 2024. It is being developed by IEEE 802.11be EHT working group.
The main features of WiFi 7 are as follows.
➨Coordinated Multi-user MIMO to support 16 data streams at the same time
➨Multi Link Operation (MLO) to enable simultaneous transmission and reception across various bands/channels.
It increases throughput, lowers latency and improves reliability.
➨Access Point coordination
➨Supports maximum channel size up to 320 MHz
➨Supports higher modulation schemes up to 4096 QAM with enhanced OFDMA
What is WiFi 8 ?
IEEE is developing wifi 8 specifications under the series 802.11bn. The main features of WiFi 8 are as follows.
• Integrated mm-wave operations.
• Distributed MLO (Multi-Link Operation)
• Multi-AP Co-ordination.
• Channel Bandwidth Up to 320 MHz and above.
• 8192 level QAM modulation scheme
• Designed to meet specific requirements of applications such as
AR/XR/VR, smart home appliances and gaming.
Difference between Wifi 7 and Wifi 8
Following table uses various parameters to derive similarities and difference between Wifi 7 and Wifi 8 technologies.
| Features | WiFi 7 | WiFi 8 |
|---|---|---|
| • Standard | IEEE 802.11be | IEEE 802.11bn UHR |
| • Launch date | 2024 | 2028 |
| • Data rate (Maximum) | 46 Gbps | 100 Gbps |
| • Frequency Bands | 1 to 7.25 GHz (Includes all the three bands viz. 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz) | 2.4, 5, 6 GHz and mm-wave bands |
| • Channel Size | Up to 320 MHz | Up to 320 MHz or Above |
| • Modulation | 4096 QAM with OFDMA (extensions) | 8192 QAM OFDMA |
| • MIMO | 16X16 UL/DL MU-MIMO | 16X16 UL/DL MU-MIMO |
| Advanced Features | Multi-RU | Distributed MLO, Multi-AP coordination |
Conclusion :
Both WiFi-7 and WiFi-8 focus on enhanced data rates, efficiency and reliability in wifi networks.
These networks optimize wifi connectivity in crowded environments, ensuring improved performance and
reduced interference.
Refer advantages or benefits of WiFi 7 technology >> and
WiFi 8 technology >>.
➨Follow latest information from IEEE 802.11 WLAN Working groups.