Wi-Fi 8 may sound like science fiction, but it’s already started to take shape. While there are still several years to go before this new generation of wireless connectivity becomes a tangible reality for users and manufacturers, the gears are already rolling. And what’s anticipated is not just an incremental improvement over Wi-Fi 7, but a structural evolution designed for tomorrow’s connected environments: smarter, more demanding, and more saturated with simultaneous devices.
Wi-Fi 8 vs. Wi-Fi 7: What’s the Difference
The future IEEE 802.11bn standard, the technical basis of Wi-Fi 8, is in its early stages of development, with a roadmap that aims to standardize around 2028. The focus this time shifts dramatically: Far from prioritizing theoretical maximum speed, as was the case with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, the key goals revolve around stability, reduced latency, and spectral efficiency. Qualcomm, which is already actively collaborating in its definition, has advanced some metrics: 25% more actual throughput is expected under typical usage conditions, a 25% reduction in peak latency, and a similar decrease in packet loss during roaming between access points.
Roaming is precisely one of the great challenges that Wi-Fi 8 aims to address. Today, while networks allow for some mobility between access points, the experience isn’t always seamless, especially in large spaces or on the move. Wi-Fi 8 will seek to eliminate this type of interruption, offering a continuous, transparent handoff without perceptible drops for the user. This advancement will be especially important for critical applications such as augmented reality, cloud gaming, or business video calls on the move.
Another of the great bets of the standard is the active coordination between access points, which will allow a dynamic and cooperative management of the wireless environment. In other words, routers and repeaters will no longer act as independent nodes and will form an intelligent mesh that will distribute network resources according to device density, demand, and signal conditions. This model will optimize the use of spectrum and reduce interference, two problems that are aggravated as the number of devices connected in the same environment increases.
While Wi-Fi 8 won’t increase the maximum bandwidth versus Wi-Fi 7 (which already reaches 46 Gbps under ideal conditions), it will introduce crucial improvements to how that bandwidth is used. The use of massive MIMO, an evolution of the current multi-antenna system, will make it possible to serve more devices in parallel without compromising link quality. In turn, a more efficient integration with other wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and 5G and 6G mobile networks, is expected through advanced coexistence techniques and shared spectrum management.
At the same time, one of the focuses will be energy efficiency. As Internet of Things sensors and devices proliferate, many of them powered by battery or even ambient energy harvesting, it becomes essential that wireless networks consume less. Wi-Fi 8 will include new techniques to reduce power use, allowing devices to stay longer in low-power states without losing connectivity or responsiveness.
All this does not imply, of course, that Wi-Fi 7 is already in the process of obsolescence. Quite the opposite: the coexistence of previous and future generations is part of the modular design of the Wi-Fi ecosystem. Wi-Fi 8 won’t immediately replace its predecessor, but it will set the new standard for high-demand environments, offering a more robust, resilient, and adaptive network.
So, while Wi-Fi 8 isn’t just around the corner, its development is already a clear sign of where the future of wireless connectivity is headed. A future in which we not only aspire to more speed but also to a network that understands the context, optimizes resources, guarantees quality of service, and adapts in real time to the environment. Bit by bit, that future has already begun to be written.
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FAQ from Content
Q1: What is Wi-Fi 8, and when is it expected to be standardized?
A1: Wi-Fi 8 is the upcoming generation of wireless connectivity based on the IEEE 802.11bn standard. It is currently in early development and is expected to be standardized around 2028.
Q2: How will Wi-Fi 8 improve performance compared to Wi-Fi 7?
A2: Wi-Fi 8 aims to deliver 25% more actual throughput, a 25% reduction in peak latency, and decreased packet loss during roaming, focusing more on stability and efficiency rather than maximum speed.
Q3: What makes Wi-Fi 8 better for roaming and mobility?
A3: Wi-Fi 8 will offer seamless roaming by enabling uninterrupted transitions between access points, improving experiences in large areas or while moving—ideal for AR, cloud gaming, and video calls.
