20/08/2025

What Is Wi-Fi 7 & How Does This Standard Compare to Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 7, formally known as 802.11be, is the latest wireless standard, certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2024. Built on Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, it brings faster speeds, lower latency, and improved efficiency. These are vital for businesses with growing digital demands.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 is a no-brainer. This new Wi-Fi standard helps maintain a reliable network for cloud tools, video calls, and more connected devices. Ofcom's Connected Nations 2024 report revealed that as of July 2024, 63% of SMEs in the UK were within reach of a full-fibre network. That was an increase of 12% more SMEs than in September 2023. Are you keeping up with your competition?

In this blog, we'll explore what Wi-Fi 7 is, compare it to Wi-Fi 6, and help you decide if upgrading now is the right choice for your business.

What Is Wi-Fi 7 & How Does It Work

Wi-Fi 7 introduces significant advancements that directly benefit business users. The technical specs might look tough, but the results are clear: quicker, steadier, and safer wireless connections.

Key features of Wi-Fi 7 include:

Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Wi-Fi 7 allows devices to connect simultaneously on multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz). This leads to fewer dropped calls and smoother changes during hybrid meetings and cloud collaboration.
320MHz Channel Width & 4096-QAM Modulation: These improvements allow Wi-Fi 7 to transmit much more data at once. This makes large file transfers and cloud applications faster and more reliable.
Improved Efficiency: Wi-Fi 7 is built to support more devices on the network without slowing down performance. For businesses in high-density environments like open-plan offices or warehouses, this is a godsend.

Wi-Fi 7 can work with older standards. This lets businesses upgrade at their own pace, so they don't have to invest in all new devices immediately. If your company needs expert help with an upgrade, our Managed Wi-Fi Services are here for you. We offer customised solutions that make sure your new system runs at its best for business.

Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6: Key Differences That Matter for Businesses

Wi-Fi 7 offers a major step forward compared to Wi-Fi 6. It's great for businesses that rely on cloud apps, real-time chats, and lots of connected devices.

Speed: According to Wi-Fi Alliance, Wi-Fi 7 is high capacity, so it can match full-fibre and multi-gigabit broadband speeds. This means faster file transfers, quicker downloads, and more reliable video calls, even if real-world speeds are lower.
Capacity: Wi-Fi 7 supports more devices without slowing down. This is crucial for businesses in busy offices or those using IoT devices.
Latency: Wi-Fi 7 reduces delays, improving the responsiveness of real-time applications. This includes the likes of VoIP, Microsoft Teams, and video conferencing. This ensures a more seamless experience for both internal communication and client meetings.

For businesses adopting Wi-Fi 7, the benefits go beyond immediate performance. With the growth of IoT devices and the expansion of cloud applications, Wi-Fi 7 provides the scalability needed for the future. For expert tips on selecting and setting up Wi-Fi 7, we offer Hardware and Software services tailored to your business's unique needs.

5 Benefits of Wi-Fi 7 for Business Networks

The benefits of Wi-Fi 7 extend beyond faster speeds. It provides stability, security, and efficiency that directly enhance day-to-day business operations.

Key benefits for SMEs include:

Wi-Fi 7 boosts support for hybrid work. It helps teams shift between the office and home, making it easy to connect to cloud platforms and shared files.
It provides steady performance in busy offices. With wider channels and higher efficiency, multiple devices can stay online without delays.
Wi-Fi 7 features better security standards. It uses advanced encryption and authentication protocols. This helps organisations comply with UK data protection laws.
Wi-Fi 7 provides scalability for the future. It ensures networks can handle the rise of IoT devices, AI tools, and high-resolution video calls.
Wi-Fi 7 improves the user experience. It offers quicker downloads, clearer video calls, and less downtime. These benefits lead to higher productivity.

Ofcom states that UK internet traffic has more than doubled over the past five years. This increase shows a growing need for strong, high-capacity connections in homes and businesses. This makes investment in future-ready Wi-Fi less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Our Wi-Fi & Networking services help SMEs adjust. We're on hand to provide secure and scalable networks that match their business needs.

Should Your Business Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 Now?

Whether it's the right time to upgrade depends on your current infrastructure and how your teams use technology.

Businesses should consider upgrading if they:

Rely heavily on cloud-based applications and video conferencing.
Operate in high-density environments with many connected devices.
Experience frequent slowdowns, dropouts, or unreliable file transfers with existing Wi-Fi.

For smaller businesses with lighter digital needs, Wi-Fi 6 may still be sufficient for now. However, Ofcom's 2024 Connected Nations report confirms that demand for data in UK workplaces is rising every year. This means future-proofing will soon be necessary.

Our Managed IT Support offers proactive monitoring and custom advice. This helps businesses scale their connectivity smoothly and on time, without disruptions.

Speak to Treken About Wi-Fi 7 Today

Want faster speeds? Wi-Fi 7 delivers that and much more. Come for the speed, leave with a reliable, scalable network that supports hybrid work, cloud platforms, and growing device use. For SMEs, understanding Wi-Fi 7 and its comparison to Wi-Fi 6 is key to planning sustainable growth.

Treken has supported businesses across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire for over 20 years. As your trusted IT support specialists, we offer everything you need in one location. This includes server solutions, hardware and software supply, and proactive managed IT support. Now is the time to prepare your network.

Call 01202 612333 or get in touch to see how Wi-Fi 7 can boost productivity, reliability, and long-term resilience.