Should I get a Wi-Fi 7 router?

A Wi-Fi 7 router is the latest device in wireless technology, designed to deliver faster speeds and support more network hardware. But, most enterprise environments don’t need to rush into upgrading just yet. Despite all the hype surrounding Wi-Fi 7 routers, they aren't quite ready to transform your network overnight, and we’ll explain why.

Let’s go over:

• The importance of Wi-Fi 7 routers in enterprise business environments
• If Wi-Fi 7 is even necessary for your current network setup
• Is it possible for Wi-Fi 7 to make a difference? If not now, when?
• Your Internet connection may not yet be up to the task
• The challenges businesses face when it comes to a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade
• How to future-proof your network without the need for Wi-Fi 7
• Invest now or wait it out? Considerations for Wi-Fi 7 setups
• How to rid your long-term Wi-Fi worries with Meter’s NaaS solution

Why Wi-Fi 7 routers matter for the future of enterprise networks

Wi-Fi 7 routers come with some fresh features:

• Faster speeds
• Less lag
• More support for devices

But let’s keep expectations realistic. While Wi-Fi 7 can theoretically reach 46 Gbps, most routers in real settings top out at closer to 27 Gbps. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is one feature that stands out, letting Wi-Fi 7 routers use several frequency bands at once to help manage traffic in crowded spaces.

There are other upgrades, too. Wi-Fi 7 offers a wider 320 MHz channel (where allowed) and adds 4K-QAM, which gives a small boost in data transmission over Wi-Fi 6. MU-MIMO capacity also doubles, from 8 streams to 16, allowing more devices to connect at the same time.

But there’s a catch. Wi-Fi 7’s advantages might not be felt right away. Most businesses won’t see big benefits until more devices support Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 6 still does a great job in high-demand areas, making it a reliable choice. Wi-Fi 7 may hold promise for the future, but for now, it’s smart to wait until the technology is more widely supported.

Is Wi-Fi 7 necessary for my current network?

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 isn’t really a must-have for most networks right now. Many businesses won’t see a big leap over what Wi-Fi 6 already does. Ask yourself, “Is your current network buckling under high traffic or lots of devices?” If not, there’s probably no rush to switch.

Wi-Fi 6 is still strong in high-density environments and covers most enterprise needs with ease. If your current setup is steady, Wi-Fi 7 might just be more buzz than benefit—for now.

When would Wi-Fi 7 make a difference?

Wi-Fi 7’s worth is most apparent in places with lots of devices or where fast response times are critical. Its upgrades are promising, but for most setups, the improvements may not be as dramatic as they seem.

Large-scale office environments:

• Busy offices with hundreds or even thousands of devices—especially in multi-floor buildings—could gain from Wi-Fi 7’s ability to keep connections steady in crowded spaces.

Mission-critical operations:

• Industries where every second counts, like finance, healthcare, or video editing, could benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s lower lag, reducing delays in real-time tasks.

IoT-heavy environments:

• Warehouses, factories, and smart offices filled with sensors, cameras, and other devices might appreciate Wi-Fi 7’s capacity to handle large data streams all at once.

However, without full support for Wi-Fi 7, a well-prepared Wi-Fi 6 network is often more than enough for most business needs.

Is your Internet connection even fast enough to support Wi-Fi 7?

Most providers don’t offer speeds that fully use Wi-Fi 7’s power. If you’re capped at, say, 1 Gbps, a Wi-Fi 7 router won’t suddenly make things faster online.

Inside your network, you may notice better handling of multiple devices, but your actual online speed still depends on your ISP’s limits. Wi-Fi 7 only really pays off if your Internet connection can keep up with its high-speed potential.

Challenges businesses face when upgrading to Wi-Fi 7

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 is a bit more complex than simply swapping out your old router. The tech is still fresh, and jumping in now can come with a few bumps along the way. Here’s what you need to know before making the leap.

Limited device compatibility

Most of today’s devices can’t yet handle Wi-Fi 7, so upgrading can feel a bit early. While a Wi-Fi 7 router is backward-compatible, you won’t see its true power until your laptops, phones, and other devices catch up.

Investing now means paying for tech that’s ahead of its time, with only limited immediate gains. Fine-tuning your Wi-Fi 6 setup might be the smarter move to get more from the devices you already own.

Cost of early adoption

Wi-Fi 7 comes with a big price tag—as most new tech does. Early adopters tend to pay more and also deal with any quirks or bugs that need ironing out in the firmware.

Rather than spending thousands on Wi-Fi 7, you might find better value by adding quality access points to boost your current network. Extending your network’s lifespan in this way can help you avoid higher costs until Wi-Fi 7 becomes more mainstream.

Network complexity and infrastructure overhaul

A full Wi-Fi 7 upgrade can be tricky for enterprises with:

• Structured cabling
• Access points
• Switches

Mixing Wi-Fi 7 with older systems may create compatibility issues or even call for new cabling. But a complete overhaul isn’t often needed. Adding access points or adjusting configurations can usually keep things running well without a big upgrade.

Minimal real-world speed gains

Wi-Fi 7’s speeds sound exciting, but most businesses won’t see the full boost due to Internet provider limits. Inside your network, though, Wi-Fi 7 can improve data transfers for tasks like file sharing and streaming. But without an ISP to match it, Wi-Fi 7’s speed might feel more like extra power with nowhere to go.

Potential interference and signal challenges

Wi-Fi 7’s wider channels in the 6 GHz band can cause more interference, especially in crowded areas. Features like MLO aim to help, but testing is still limited. Careful planning with Wi-Fi 6—like site surveys and channel setup—can solve most interference issues without needing Wi-Fi 7.

Security vulnerabilities and lack of firmware maturity

As with any new tech, Wi-Fi 7 may come with some security risks and firmware bugs in its early stages. Sticking with a mature Wi-Fi 6 setup gives you a tested, secure environment. Plus, Wi-Fi 6 has been around longer, which means better-established protocols and firmware, lowering risks for your operations.

Vendor lock-in and lack of interoperability

Wi-Fi 7’s newer, proprietary features could mean more reliance on a single brand’s ecosystem, limiting your options. Going all-in with one vendor can make future upgrades costly. Wi-Fi 6, on the other hand, offers a wider range of compatible options, allowing you to mix and match devices without getting stuck with one brand’s hardware.

Limited support and expertise

Wi-Fi 7 is still new, which means fewer experts are out there to help troubleshoot and optimize it. Waiting until the tech matures gives you access to more resources and expertise for smoother management when you do upgrade. For now, Wi-Fi 6 setups benefit from a larger pool of experienced pros to keep things reliable and efficient.

How can I future-proof my network without Wi-Fi 7?

Diving headfirst into Wi-Fi 7 isn’t your only option for staying ahead. There are plenty of ways to get the most out of your current network setup and prepare for future demands without breaking the bank. Here’s a look at how to maximize your Wi-Fi 6 network to keep up with your business needs.

1. Enhance performance with Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 has features many networks aren’t fully using yet. A few tweaks like these can go a long way toward boosting performance:

• Choose less crowded channels to cut down on interference.
• Adjust access point power levels to avoid overlap and fill coverage gaps.
• Experiment with channel width to reduce interference in busy areas.
• Set transmit power carefully to avoid signal clashes across devices.
• Spread devices across access points to keep things balanced.

2. Expand coverage with access points

If coverage gaps are an issue, adding access points where needed can improve performance without a huge investment. Instead of replacing everything with Wi-Fi 7, focus on getting the most out of your existing infrastructure by:

• Conducting a site survey to find and address dead zones.
• Using Meter’s access points to add coverage without a major overhaul.
• Considering mesh networking for larger areas to improve signal handoffs.

3. Prioritize traffic with Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS is your go-to tool for making sure essential business tasks always get the bandwidth they need. Prioritizing high-demand apps can keep your network running at its best:

• Set high-priority for crucial services like video calls and cloud apps.
• Categorize network traffic by type to prioritize time-sensitive data.
• Dynamically allocate bandwidth so no single task hogs resources.

4. Advanced monitoring and proactive maintenance

Keeping an eye on your network can save you headaches later. With the right monitoring tools, you can spot issues early and keep everything working well without needing an upgrade. Here’s how:

• Set up monitoring tools to track network performance and catch problems before they cause trouble.
• Get alerts when something looks off, like a sudden spike in usage.
• Use regular reports to plan for growth and stay a step ahead as demands increase.

5. Strengthen network security with layered protections

A network without security is like a house with the front door wide open—anyone can walk in, and you won’t know until it’s too late. Adding a few extra layers can keep your network safe from unwanted visitors. Wi-Fi 6 has solid options for staying secure without needing Wi-Fi 7. You can:

• Turn on WPA3 encryption for better protection over older security standards.
• Add DNS filtering to block risky sites and cut down on threats.
• Use network segmentation to keep sensitive areas separate, lowering the risk if a problem does pop up.

6. Improve energy efficiency with smart power settings

Running a network can get pricey, but adjusting a few power settings can cut down on costs. Plus, it’s good for the environment—and your devices will thank you. Be more eco-friendly and:

• Use power-saving modes on access points when traffic is low.
• Set transmit power to just what’s needed to avoid overworking the devices.
• Try smart switches that adjust power based on demand, saving energy while keeping everything connected.

Additional tips for future-proofing

A few more steps can help you keep your network strong and secure, extending the life of your current setup:

• Keep your firmware updated for the latest security patches and features.
• Use network management tools to spot and fix issues before they grow.

With these tweaks, you can get your network ready for the future while squeezing maximum value out of what you already have.

Should I wait for Wi-Fi 7 devices or invest now?

Wi-Fi 7 has plenty of potential, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to upgrade right away. Deciding whether to wait or invest depends on what your business truly needs, your budget, and whether Wi-Fi 7 can make an immediate difference for you.

Who should consider waiting for Wi-Fi 7?

Industries with heavy data needs, like media production or real-time analytics, may want to wait. Wi-Fi 7’s faster speeds could help with tasks like video editing and large file transfers, but wired connections are still more reliable for these jobs.

Real-time data industries, like finance and healthcare, may eventually benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s lower lag. Until more devices support it, though, Wi-Fi 6 is still a strong option for these fields.

Who can hold off on Wi-Fi 7 for now?

Most businesses can hold off on Wi-Fi 7 for now. If your current Wi-Fi 6 network is stable, it already handles tasks like video calls, cloud apps, and file sharing well. For companies with moderate data needs, a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade likely won’t add noticeable benefits, making it tough to justify the cost.

When upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 in the future, what should you look for?

Look for Wi-Fi 7 routers or a Wi-Fi 7 modem with good compatibility and strong performance. A router modem combo that supports Wi-Fi 7 can make setup easier, but check that it meets your network’s needs. Go for devices with solid multi-band support and up-to-date security features to get the best out of this new tech without any surprises.
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When do you think Wi-Fi 7 will see widespread adoption?

Wi-Fi 7 could take a few years before it’s widely adopted. If we look at Wi-Fi 6E, which introduced the 6 GHz band, it took roughly two years for compatible devices and routers to start appearing at more accessible prices.

Even today, many businesses are still sticking with Wi-Fi 6. The primary reasons were limited compatible devices, higher initial costs, and the fact that Wi-Fi 6 already met most needs effectively.

Wi-Fi 7 could follow a similar path. Early adopters will likely jump in soon, but broader adoption will depend on factors like compatible devices, cost, and how much value it adds over Wi-Fi 6.

For most businesses, waiting until Wi-Fi 7 is more proven and affordable might make sense—especially since Wi-Fi 6 is still doing a solid job in most environments. If Wi-Fi 6E’s timeline is any hint, we could expect Wi-Fi 7 to become mainstream in around two to three years.

Let Meter eliminate your long-term upgrade worries with NaaS

Future-proofing your network doesn’t always mean chasing the latest tech like a Wi-Fi 7 router—sometimes, it's about optimizing and building on what you already have. That being said, when our Wi-Fi 7 access points launch in Spring 2025, we will effortlessly transition your network without requiring a full investment from your end.

Meter’s Network as a Service (NaaS) model lets you focus on what matters without constantly worrying about staying up-to-date. Our end-to-end scalable solutions handle the hardware, installation, and management, giving your IT team the freedom to focus on other priorities.

Features you can expect from Meter’s NaaS solution regarding Wi-Fi 7:

• Automatic Wi-Fi 7 upgrades: When Meter launches Wi-Fi 7 access points, your network will automatically be upgraded, saving you from the hassle of buying new equipment.
• Scalable network design: Meter’s network designs adapt to your growing needs, whether you’re ready for Wi-Fi 7 now or plan to be in the future.
• Expert consultation: Meter provides guidance on when and how to implement Wi-Fi 7 without overcommitting your budget or infrastructure.
• End-to-end management: Hardware, installation, and ongoing maintenance are handled, reducing the burden on your IT team.
• Optimized coverage: Access points are strategically placed for maximum performance, making your transition to Wi-Fi 7 smooth when the time comes.

For a more in-depth look at what our NaaS solution can offer your business, schedule a demo.