Two key features of Wi-Fi 7 are multi-link operation and puncturing.
With MLO, “devices can optimize network interactions, conserve energy and reduce latency,” explains Thierry Chau, vice president of market development, networking, intelligent cellular and security solutions at CommScope. “It makes it easy for devices to swiftly select clear channels for data transmission.”
Puncturing provides uninterrupted communication, even in challenging or busy environments. Coleman equates puncturing to an express lane on a highway that allows drivers to bypass accidents or heavy traffic.
MLO enables the ease of switching between channels.
“For example, a client device simultaneously monitors the 5GHz and 6GHz bands. When it needs to transmit data, it selects the band with less congestion and higher availability, significantly improving latency,” explains Coleman.
Wi-Fi 7 also introduces 320 megahertz channels, which Coleman describes as wider highway lanes. With wider channels, each channel can carry more data simultaneously, allowing for faster internet speeds and increased data throughput.
Additional features include 20 percent more data in each signal (accelerating connections and improving data transmission) and increased support for latency-sensitive streams, often related to gaming and video streaming, Coleman says.
All of these features will be useful for increased reliance on the Internet of Things and virtual reality, for example.