What is WiFi 7?
WiFi 7 is the current generation of wireless networking based on IEEE 802.11be. It enables higher data rates, lower latency, and more efficient wireless connections, including through wider channels and Multi-Link Operation. In everyday use, you benefit most when using compatible WiFi 7 devices, fast internet connections, and many devices at the same time.
What does WiFi 7 improve compared with older Wi-Fi generations?
WiFi 7 primarily increases potential data rates and capacity and can transmit connections more efficiently and with lower latency. Technically, WiFi 7 is based on the IEEE 802.11be standard, also known as Extremely High Throughput.
The most important improvements include:
| Feature | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Practical benefit |
| Maximum channel width | 160 MHz | 320 MHz | Higher potential data rates with suitable frequencies and devices |
| Modulation | up to 1024-QAM | up to 4096-QAM, also known as 4K QAM | More data per wireless signal under good reception conditions |
| Multi-Link Operation | No | Yes | Use of multiple wireless links for greater capacity, lower latency, or higher reliability |
| Frequency bands | 2.4 and 5 GHz | 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz possible | Additional wireless capacity with compatible devices |
Which of these features can actually be used depends on the router, the end device, wireless conditions, and the frequencies available in Switzerland.
What does Multi-Link Operation mean in WiFi 7?
Multi-Link Operation allows compatible WiFi 7 devices to use multiple wireless links more flexibly instead of being limited to a single connection. Depending on the implementation, data can be transmitted over several frequency bands at the same time or connections can be switched dynamically. This can increase throughput and reduce latency or interference.
This is particularly useful when many devices are active at the same time or when applications are sensitive to delays. Examples include gaming, video conferencing, and large data transfers.
However, WiFi 7 does not automatically guarantee a faster internet connection. For example, a 500 Mbps internet connection remains limited to that connection speed even if the local Wi-Fi technically supports higher data rates.
Graphic brief: A WiFi 7 router in the center, connected to a compatible laptop over 5 GHz and 6 GHz at the same time. The two connections are combined using Multi-Link Operation. Next to it, show the three core elements: 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM, and Multi-Link Operation. Green branding with petrol as the main color and yellow for highlights.
Alt text: WiFi 7 router with parallel 5 GHz and 6 GHz connections and the features 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM, and Multi-Link Operation.
What role does 6 GHz play for WiFi 7 in Switzerland?
WiFi 7 can use the 6 GHz band, subject to the regulations of the Swiss Federal Office of Communications. The frequency range from 5.945 to 6.425 GHz is currently available for Wi-Fi. For low-power indoor devices, the maximum transmit power is 200 mW e.i.r.p., and use is restricted to indoor environments.
WiFi 7 technically supports channel widths of up to 320 MHz. However, the channel width actually used by a device in Switzerland depends on the available frequency spectrum, device configuration, and the specific wireless environment.
When is WiFi 7 worthwhile at home?
WiFi 7 is particularly worthwhile if you use a fast internet connection and several current devices or regularly transfer large amounts of data wirelessly. It can also offer advantages for gaming, cloud applications, and many Wi-Fi devices being active at the same time.
WiFi 7 is not necessary for basic web browsing or a single video stream. A new WiFi 7 router also does not automatically solve problems caused by poor router placement, long distances, or walls that strongly block wireless signals.
Older Wi-Fi devices can generally continue to connect to a WiFi 7 network. However, new features such as 320 MHz channels or Multi-Link Operation can only be used with compatible end devices.
How do you get WiFi 7 with an internet connection?
In addition to checking the available internet speed, also check which Wi-Fi technology is supported by the router and your end devices. Green promotes its current internet offering with a WiFi 7 router. Whether you can fully use the benefits of WiFi 7 also depends on your end devices and wireless conditions at home.
FAQ
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Do I need new devices for WiFi 7?
To use the specific features of WiFi 7, you need compatible end devices in addition to a WiFi 7 router. Older smartphones, computers, and other Wi-Fi devices can generally still connect, but they use the older Wi-Fi generation they support. Replacing the router therefore does not automatically turn every existing device into a WiFi 7 device.
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Is WiFi 7 faster than an Ethernet cable?
There is no single answer. The speed of a wired connection depends on the Ethernet interfaces, while Wi-Fi performance depends on the router, end device, distance, and wireless conditions. WiFi 7 enables very high theoretical data rates. For reproducible measurements of the actual internet speed, Green still recommends a direct connection using a network cable.
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Does WiFi 7 improve Wi-Fi range?
Not automatically. WiFi 7 primarily improves speed, capacity, efficiency, and the use of multiple wireless links. Actual range still depends on the frequency band, router placement, walls, sources of interference, and the end device being used. A WiFi 7 router alone therefore does not eliminate poor Wi-Fi coverage in an apartment or house.