The Differences Between WiFi7 and WiFi6

Since 2019, WiFi 6 networks have gradually become more prevalent, offering a significant increase in speed compared to WiFi 5. Around that time, routers and smartphones began to heavily promote the WiFi 6 feature. Several years later, WiFi 7 is now on the horizon and set to become widespread.

Combining some available information, let’s share the differences between WiFi 7 and WiFi 6.

1. Speed

• WiFi 6: Maximum transmission speed of 9.6 Gbps.
• WiFi 7: Can reach up to 46 Gbps.

2. Frequency Bands

• WiFi 6: Primarily operates on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (also known as WiFi 6E in its upgraded version).
• WiFi 7: Operates on a range from 1 GHz to 7.25 GHz, including the main bands of WiFi 6.

3. Channel Width

• WiFi 6: Supports 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 80+80 MHz, and 160 MHz.
• WiFi 7: Can reach up to 320 MHz.

4. Modulation Method

• WiFi 6: 1024 QAM with OFDMA.
• WiFi 7: 4096 QAM with OFDMA.

5. MIMO

• WiFi 6: Supports MU-MIMO and 8 simultaneous data streams.
• WiFi 7: Supports CMU-MIMO and 16 simultaneous data streams.

6. Standard

• WiFi 6: IEEE 802.11ax.
• WiFi 7: IEEE 802.11be.

From these parameters, it is evident that WiFi 7 represents a substantial upgrade over WiFi 6, with faster speeds and lower latency.

Many router manufacturers have started to release WiFi 7 routers, and domestic smartphones have also ushered in the WiFi 7 era. In the future, users will experience even smoother internet surfing.