Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7 – When and why should I consider a shift?

As wireless technology continues to evolve, many people are weighing the benefits of upgrading from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7. The key difference lies in Wi-Fi 7’s ability to deliver significantly higher bandwidth, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded environments. It does this by taking advantage of wider channel bandwidths, combining frequency bands, and adopting enhanced modulation schemes. Essentially, Wi-Fi 7 is designed to handle more data, more efficiently, allowing you to enjoy faster and more reliable connections.   

If you’ve been struggling with slow speeds in parts of your home or want a more robust connection during busy periods, Wi-Fi 7 might be the solution you’re looking for. Whether it’s speeding up large downloads, system updates, or online gaming, a more capable network can make a noticeable difference. Video calling can also improve, with fewer instances of stuttering or freezing, especially if you share your network with multiple people. Having this extra capacity ensures everyone in the household can stay connected without compromise. 

One of the main reasons people hesitate to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 is the cost. When you combine the typical premium for the “latest technology” with the fact that Wi-Fi 7 chips are still in their early stages of availability and scale, Wi-Fi 7 will be 30%-50% more expensive than W-Fi 6 for the next few years. However, if you factor in improved performance, fewer frustrating connection drops, and a network that is future-ready, the investment may be worth it to you. A faster network will keep up with the demands of smart home devices, streaming services, and the increasing number of gadgets that rely on a stable internet connection. For busy households or those who value seamless online experiences, Wi-Fi 7’s advanced capabilities could be a game-changer. 

It’s also worth considering the devices you currently own or plan to buy in the near future. Many new smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets now come equipped with the latest Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7. Pairing modern devices with an equally modern router unlocks their full potential and ensures you’re not leaving any performance on the table. Ultimately, upgrading depends on your personal needs and budget, but Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced speed, stability, and coverage make a compelling case for many households. 

DZS Wi-Fi 7 solutions are now being deployed in large service provider networks globally. In the meantime, millions of DZS Wi-Fi 6 gateway and access point solutions, including a wide array of devices that include EasyMesh satellite units and integration with leading Wi-Fi experience management solutions, have been deployed at hundreds of service providers globally. Standards-based, DZS Wi-Fi solutions can support work seamlessly with most access OLT and technologies, including GPON, XGS-PON, AE, and 10G AE. Additionally, our Aurora device assistant app walks your subscriber through the device set-up and installation process with simple, step-by-step instructions – from optimally placing Wi-Fi extenders to speed test to on-going monitoring, configuration, upgrades and management.

Whether you’re enabling Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, or both, DZS has the perfect solutions for your network. For more information, visit our subscriber edge solutions.