What is WiFi 7?
WiFi 7 (802.11be) is the next generation of wireless technology, offering speeds up to 46 Gbps and near-zero latency. While still emerging in the UK, it represents a significant leap over WiFi 6 and will become the new standard for broadband routers in coming years.
How WiFi 7 Works
WiFi 7's biggest innovation is Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Unlike previous WiFi standards where devices connect on a single band at a time, MLO lets a device use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands simultaneously. This provides faster throughput and automatic failover — if one band experiences interference, traffic seamlessly shifts to another without dropping the connection.
320 MHz channels (double WiFi 6's 160 MHz) provide enormous bandwidth capacity on the 6 GHz band. Combined with 4K-QAM modulation, which packs 20% more data into each transmission, WiFi 7 can theoretically reach 46 Gbps — roughly 5x faster than WiFi 6.
For latency-sensitive applications like VR gaming, video conferencing, and cloud computing, WiFi 7 targets sub-millisecond latency. This makes wireless connections nearly as responsive as wired Ethernet for the first time.
WiFi 7 Key Features
- ✓Extreme Speeds: Up to 46 Gbps theoretical maximum — nearly 5x faster than WiFi 6's 9.6 Gbps ceiling.
- ✓Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Devices can use 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands simultaneously for faster, more reliable connections.
- ✓320 MHz Channels: Double the maximum channel width of WiFi 6, providing massive throughput capacity.
- ✓4K-QAM Modulation: Packs 20% more data into each transmission compared to WiFi 6's 1024-QAM.
- ✓Near-Zero Latency: Designed for real-time applications like VR gaming, AR, and cloud computing with sub-millisecond response.
- ✓16 Spatial Streams: Double the streams of WiFi 6, supporting even more simultaneous device connections.
WiFi 7 vs WiFi 6 vs WiFi 5
| Feature | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Name | 802.11be | 802.11ax | 802.11ac |
| Max Speed (theoretical) | 46 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps | 3.5 Gbps |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz | 2.4 + 5 GHz | 5 GHz only |
| Max Channel Width | 320 MHz | 160 MHz | 160 MHz |
| Modulation | 4K-QAM | 1024-QAM | 256-QAM |
| Spatial Streams | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| Multi-Link | Yes (MLO) | No | No |
| Target Latency | < 1ms | ~10ms | ~20ms |
| UK Availability | Early 2025+ | Widely available | Legacy |
WiFi 7 in the UK: What to Expect
WiFi 7 routers are starting to appear from manufacturers like TP-Link, ASUS, and Netgear, but UK broadband providers have not yet widely adopted them in their standard packages. The Virgin Media Hub 5x supports WiFi 6E (which uses the 6 GHz band), representing a stepping stone towards WiFi 7.
For most UK households, WiFi 7 is not yet a deciding factor when choosing a broadband provider. Current WiFi 6 routers handle typical broadband speeds (up to 1-2 Gbps) comfortably. WiFi 7 will become essential as multi-gigabit broadband (like XGS-PON) becomes more widespread.
If you're buying a standalone router today, choosing a WiFi 7 model is a sensible future-proofing investment. But there's no need to wait for provider-supplied WiFi 7 routers before switching broadband.
When Will WiFi 7 Matter for You?
Multi-Gigabit Broadband
When your broadband exceeds 2 Gbps, WiFi 6 becomes the bottleneck.
20+ Smart Devices
Large smart homes with cameras, sensors, and streaming devices benefit most.
VR/AR Applications
Sub-millisecond latency is critical for wireless VR headsets and AR glasses.
Broadband Guides
Best Broadband for Gaming
Low latency providers and speed requirements for gamers.
Best Broadband for Streaming
4K and multi-device streaming recommendations.
Best for Working from Home
Upload speeds and reliability for remote workers.
Automatic Compensation Scheme
Which providers compensate you for outages?