Still using Wi-Fi 6? Wireless connectivity has advanced to Wi-Fi 7, and it is poised to revolutionise the way businesses operate in Singapore. As demand for faster and more reliable connectivity grows, Wi-Fi 7 is stepping up as the next-generation standard for these needs.

Besides enhancing network performance, device capacity, and coverage, it also prepares businesses for the evolving landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. By integrating Wi-Fi 7 into your infrastructure, you’ll not only be able to address current business requirements, but you’ll also be future-proofing your operations.

But what is Wi-Fi 7? What makes it different from previous iterations of Wi-Fi? From ultra-fast speeds to better reliability, this article explores what Wi-Fi 7 is, its core benefits, and how it compares to the Wi-Fi 6 we know.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless network technology designed to offer faster speeds, better reliability, and the ability to support more devices than previous Wi-Fi standards. It supports a wider bandwidth and has reduced latency, which is great for high-demand applications.

Is Wi-Fi 7 Available in Singapore Now?

Yes, Wi-Fi 7 is already available in Singapore, with many local service providers such as SPTel offering Managed Wi-Fi solutions featuring the technology, along with a comprehensive end-to-end management service. For businesses, tapping on these services means they can free up their IT teams to focus on other critical tasks while the service providers handle the complexities of network administration and maintenance—such as configuring corporate and guest Wi-Fi.

What are the Benefits of Wi-Fi 7?

These are the benefits that make Wi-Fi 7 superior to previous generations:

1. Performance

Wi-Fi 7 is engineered to deliver ultra-fast speeds, making tasks such as large file downloads, high-definition video conferences, and cloud-based data transfers almost instantaneous.

Unlike previous Wi-Fi generations, which support only 1024-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)—a method that combines multiple signals into a single channel—Wi-Fi 7 offers 4096-QAM. This higher modulation allows for more efficient data transmission.

With enhanced data density, wider channels, and the ability to use multiple bands and channels simultaneously, Wi-Fi 7 can deliver speeds up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6 and six times faster than Wi-Fi 5.

For businesses reliant on real-time communication, such as video calls or streaming events, this improved performance can be a game-changer.

2. Better Coverage and High Device Capacity

Wi-Fi 7 introduces several key advancements, with enhanced coverage being one of the most notable. It delivers strong, reliable signals even over larger areas like office buildings, warehouses, and campuses. This eliminates dead zones and ensures smooth operations across the entire area.

Wi-Fi 7 is also able to operate on three radio spectrum bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. Combined with an increase in MU-MIMO streams, a technology that uses multiple antennas to create simultaneous connections to the same device, from 8 to 16, Wi-Fi 7 can handle more devices and greater data traffic without sacrificing performance.

But that’s not all. Wi-Fi 7 also features Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which lets devices use multiple radio brands simultaneously for data transmission. This reduces network interference and congestion while delivering extremely high throughput and lowering latency.

With Wi-Fi 7, you’ll never have to worry about weak and intermittent connections in crowded areas with multiple devices and users.

3. Reduced Latency

Latency reduction is also one of the key advancements in Wi-Fi 7, which is crucial for real-time applications such as gaming, video calls, and augmented or virtual reality experiences.

With wider 320 MHz channels, Wi-Fi 7 doubles the data throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6, allowing more information to be transmitted simultaneously. This increase in data transfer speed gives you extremely high throughput that naturally reduces latency.

Wi-Fi 7 also enhances Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), originally introduced in Wi-Fi 6, to allocate bandwidth more efficiently across multiple users. This leads to better spectrum utilisation and less competition for bandwidth, especially in crowded networks. As a result, gamers and those who engage in frequent video callers benefit from faster response times and fewer delays.

4. Energy Efficiency

Beyond delivering high performance, Wi-Fi 7 is also designed to enhance energy efficiency. This focus on reducing power consumption is especially important for businesses deploying large numbers of connected devices, such as wireless sensors and mobile devices, where extending battery life and optimising power use is critical.

One of the Wi-Fi 7’s key power-saving features is the Target Wake Time (TWT), which was also first introduced in Wi-Fi 6. It allows devices to schedule specific times to wake up and communicate with the network, which means that there’ll be less energy-draining communication throughout the day.

Wi-Fi 7 takes this step further by optimising the coordination between devices and access points. Devices are able to “sleep” for longer periods and wake only when necessary. For businesses using IoT sensors or mobile devices, these enhancements mean longer-lasting batteries and lower maintenance costs, as devices don’t need to be recharged or replaced as frequently.

The MLO feature, which allows devices to operate on multiple frequency bands, also minimises the energy needed to maintain stable connections—it dynamically selects the optimal band and link based on network traffic, interference, and device conditions. This is particularly beneficial in environments with varying signal quality, such as factories or large offices with multiple access points.

5. Cost Savings

Wi-Fi 7 and its advanced features provide increased capacity and improved functionality without the need for costly upgrades or extra infrastructure. Why is that the case?

First off, its enhanced efficiency lets you accommodate more users and devices with the same network configuration—no need for more access points or switches even in high-density settings.

Its increased data speed and reduced latency also improve productivity and user experience without requiring further network optimisation tools. This faster and more reliable network means lower support and downtime costs.

By making the most out of your existing devices, you can extend the life cycle of your hardware investments and eventually save on capital expenses.

Is Wi-Fi 7 Better than Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, Wi-Fi 7 is better than Wi-Fi 6 in multiple aspects. Wi-Fi technology has evolved significantly over the years, with each iteration bringing enhancements that cater to the growing demands of users and devices. While Wi-Fi 6 introduced a host of improvements in wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 takes these advancements to the next level.

• Speed: Speed is one of the most significant upgrades in Wi-Fi 7. It promises speeds that are over four times faster than Wi-Fi 6, which can greatly enhance productivity in environments that require high data throughput. You can expect smoother video calls, faster downloads, and an overall improved online experience.
• Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 also offers double the bandwidth of Wi-Fi 6 to allow more data to be transmitted at the same time. This reduces congestion and ensures that devices can operate more efficiently without affecting each other’s performance.
• Latency: For applications that require immediate feedback, such as gaming and online meetings, latency is a critical factor. Wi-Fi 7 offers reduced latency and faster data transmission, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive applications.
• Backward Compatibility: Both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are backwards compatible. This means that they allow older devices to connect to the new network without issues. You’ll be able to upgrade your infrastructure and enjoy faster speeds without replacing all your devices.

As an advancement in internet technology that is superior in all four of these ways, Wi-Fi 7 can be conclusively regarded as a direct improvement to Wi-Fi 6.

Introducing SPTel’s Managed Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 7)

Unsure how to set up Wi-Fi 7? Leave it to SPTel. As an industry professional in Internet technology, we offer Managed Wi-Fi services that allow companies to focus on their business needs without worrying about infrastructure setup and technical knowledge.

Our comprehensive end-to-end services include the management and deployment of low-latency Wi-Fi 7 devices supported by an ultra-low latency network (<1ms) to fully maximise the performance of your connected applications.

Ultra Low Latency Through Edge Cloud Computing

Wi-Fi 7 Applications connected to SPTel’s low latency network can also achieve a high level of responsiveness through our Edge Cloud (up to 10x more responsive than public cloud), which decreases latency with compute resources closer to the source of data. This form of cloud computing processes information locally, at the edge of the network, instead of using a centralised data centre or cloud.

Business Class Software Defined Network

To ensure maximum uptime for your connected Wi-Fi 7 devices, SPTel utilises a robust Business Class Software Defined Network, that’s built on physically diverse infrastructure from other providers. As a software-defined solution, this network allows for flexible, scalable, and efficient management of your internet needs. Through the use of the customer portal, users can seamlessly explore product offerings and flex their bandwidth-on-demand in the instance of network congestion.

Achieving Efficient Business Connectivity With SPTel

SPTel’s Managed WiFi solution delivers Wi-Fi 7 via an ultra-low latency, scalable and resilient network.  Coupled with our Edge Cloud customers can look forward to faster, more responsive application performance.

Our Managed Wi-Fi 7 services are especially beneficial for:

• Small businesses that lack the resources for in-house network management
• Multi-site enterprises that require consistent network performance across locations
• Retail businesses that need seamless Wi-Fi for customer engagement
• Large venues or campuses requiring reliable connectivity for numerous users
• Healthcare facilities looking for secure, scalable Wi-Fi for dealing with sensitive data

Future-proof your business and enjoy the cutting-edge benefits of this next-generation technology by contacting us today.