1. Do We Need Truly Future-proof Hardware?
Wi-Fi 7 is designed to support next-generation applications, including 8K video streaming, augmented and virtual reality, and immersive online learning. By adopting Wi-Fi 7 now, your district can ensure its network is ready for the high-bandwidth, low-latency demands of these emerging technologies, providing a better experience for students, teachers and staff.
2. Is Network Congestion a Daily Challenge for Our Schools?
With the high density of devices per student and the proliferation of the Internet of Things, school Wi-Fi networks are more crowded than ever. Wi-Fi 7’s advanced features, such as multi-link operation and preamble puncturing, are specifically engineered to mitigate interference and deliver reliable connections. MLO allows devices to simultaneously connect on multiple frequency bands, aggregating them for faster speeds and providing redundancy for enhanced reliability, which is crucial for real-time collaboration.
3. Does the Current Network Fail to Meet Our Needs?
If the school is struggling with slow speeds, buffering or dropped connections even after a recent upgrade, it may indicate a need for more than just incremental improvement. Wi-Fi 7’s substantial gains in speed and efficiency could be the solution, particularly for bandwidth-intensive activities such as cloud computing, real-time collaboration and large-scale file transfers.
4. Can We Afford to Upgrade Both Our Infrastructure and Our Devices?
The full benefits of Wi-Fi 7 can only be realized when both the network infrastructure (access points, controllers and switches) and the end-user devices (laptops, tablets and smartphones) are compatible with the higher standard. While Wi-Fi 7 is backward-compatible, IT leaders must budget for new hardware and a phased rollout that aligns with device refresh cycles. The cost of a full refresh can be substantial and requires careful planning and strategic partnerships to ensure a smooth transition.
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5. What Is the ROI of a Wi-Fi 7 Upgrade?
For many schools, the ROI is not only about faster Wi-Fi but also about enabling new learning opportunities. Wi-Fi 7 can enhance digital learning and improve the overall student and teacher experience, which can be a powerful student success tool. The cost must be weighed against these strategic benefits.
