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What is WiFi 7?
WiFi 7 is the newest WiFi standard and the successor of WiFi 6/6E. WiFi 7 is based on IEEE 802.11be protocol, utilising the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz bands. WiFi 7, also called Extremely High Throughput (EHT), offers theoretical internet speeds almost 5x faster than WiFi 6E. WiFi 7 meets the needs of technologically advanced WiFi devices and applications in Australia in 2024.
Key Features of WiFi 7
Emerging applications such as 4K/8K video streaming, VR/AR, remote offices, and cloud computing require extremely high throughput and ultra-low latency, far beyond the capabilities of WiFi 6. WiFi 7 capabilities include:
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
- Improved bandwidth efficiency with 320 MHz channels
- 4-K Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
- Better connectivity in dense environments
- Compatibility with WiFi-enabled devices, smartphones, and smart home applications
Backward Compatible with Older WiFi Versions
NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers are backward compatible, providing optimal internet performance for Australian users. In other words, your legacy WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 devices will continue to connect with your WiFi network. The full benefits of WiFi 7 technology will be appreciated as you progressively upgrade your system and devices to the latest WiFi 7 standard.
Top WiFi 7 Products for 2024
WiFi 7 routers and whole-home mesh systems have transformed the WiFi industry in Australia. It’s now possible to connect wirelessly with superfast data rates equal to the best Ethernet cable connections. WiFi 7 is changing the way we live, work, and play. Here are five WiFi 7 use cases worth checking out in 2024.
1. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 Mesh Systems
NETGEAR Orbi 970 and Orbi 770 whole-home mesh can deliver multi-gigabit speeds for hundreds of devices in concurrent use. With NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7, you can create a home network, a guest network, and a smart home IoT network, allowing your family, guests, and client devices to enjoy seamless connectivity. Orbi WiFi 7 systems include link aggregation, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 enhancements offer almost unlimited wireless networking potential.
- WiFi 7 doubles the available WiFi bandwidth from 160MHz to 320MHz channel width.
- WiFi 7 increases the number of spatial streams from 8 to 16.
- WiFi 7 adopts higher-order modulation, increasing from 1024 QAM to 4096-QAM (4K QAM).
- WiFi 7 preamble puncturing allows multiple RUs to be assigned to a single user.
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO) enables devices to simultaneously send and receive data across different frequency bands and channels.
- NETGEAR Armor security with WPA3 encryption and VPN ensures your devices and device users are protected from malicious intrusions.
Orbi 970 WiFi Mesh
- Blazing-fast speeds up to 27Gbps
- Whole-home WiFi coverage up to 660 sq. m.
- Connectivity for 200+ connected devices
Orbi 770 WiFi Mesh
- Superfast WiFi 7 speeds up to 11Gbps
- Whole-home coverage up to 8,000 sq. ft.
- Connectivity for 100+ devices
2. Microsoft Surface Pro
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the latest and best version of the company’s 2-in-1 laptops, with WiFi 7 compatibility. Microsoft Surface Pro 11 improvements include the superfast and efficient Snapdragon X Elite chip, a new OLED screen option, and long battery life. Progressive AI features make this the most exciting Surface Pro upgrade yet. Features include:
- Faster performance powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors
- Cinematic display with a wider range of colors and optional OLED touchscreen
- Industry-leading AI offering 45 trillion operations per second
- All-day battery life with up to 14 hours of video playback
3. Microsoft CoPilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that can enhance productivity and creativity across various applications. CoPilot is a conversational interface that helps with tasks such as searching for information, generating texts, and creating images based on prompts. Microsoft CoPilot improves efficiency and productivity by integrating the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) Large Language Model (LLM) with Microsoft’s suite of tools. CoPilot is seamlessly integrated with WiFi 7.
4. Latest Laptops for Home with WiFi 7
The latest WiFi 7 compatible laptops and tablets make working from home easier and more satisfying. A good home laptop should have a large sharp screen, a quality keyboard and touchpad, a good webcam, and a long battery life so you can move around your home with your devices without needing a charger. If you plan to work outdoors, you’ll also want a laptop display that is bright enough to combat glare. Here are some outstanding laptops with WiFi 7 performance benefits.
Best Laptop For Working From Home: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3 Pro/Max)
Top-tier performance, stunning display, and excellent battery life make the Apple MacBook Pro 14 a powerhouse for professionals.
Best Upper Mid-Range Laptop: Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3)
Lightweight, with incredible battery life and performance, perfect for everyday tasks.
Best Mid-Range Laptop: Lenovo Yoga 7i 16
High-performance laptop with OLED display, ideal for productivity and multimedia.
Best Budget Laptop: ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605
Affordable yet powerful enough for everyday tasks, featuring a 16-inch display and Ryzen 5 processor.
Best Cheap Laptop For Work From Home: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
A budget friendly option with decent performance and excellent portability.
Best 2-In-1 Laptop: HP Spectre x360 14
A premium 2-in-1 laptop with a versatile design, great for both work and entertainment.
5. Nighthawk WiFi 7 Routers
WiFi 7 employs state-of-the-art technologies to increase network capacity for a quantum leap in wireless connectivity. NETGEAR Nighthawk Routers offer faster speeds, lower latency, tri-band versatility, and powerful performance with up to 3,500 sq. ft of 360° wireless home network coverage. In-demand NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi routers in Australia in 2024 include:
How to Choose the Right WiFi 7 Router
It’s important to choose a WiFi 7 router that suits your needs. Here are some tips for making an informed decision.
- Establish your internet’s top Gbps speed from your internet service provider (ISP).
- Search for an alternative ISP if you require faster internet speeds.
- Outline your new WiFi 7 router budget.
- Determine the sq. ft. WiFi coverage you need for your home.
- Note the number and type of devices your router will need to support.
- Research WiFi 7 routers that deliver the speeds and coverage you require.
- Choose a router that supports WPA3 encrypted security.
FAQs
What is WiFi 7 and how is it different from previous versions?
The new standard, WiFi 7, officially designated as IEEE 802.11be by the WiFi Alliance, includes the latest wireless networking technology, opening the door to all-new online experiences and capabilities. Upgrade to WiFi 7 devices for better connectivity, faster speeds, and seamless networking.
Do I need a new router to use WiFi 7?
You need a WiFi 7 router to deliver the full WiFi 7 benefits to your network devices.
Can WiFi 7 improve my gaming experience?
WiFi 7 offers ultra-low latency for immediate real-time gaming responses and an advantage over your competition.
Are WiFi 7 devices backward compatible?
NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers are backward compatible. Your older WiFi devices will continue to function as normal.
How do I maximise the benefits of WiFi 7 technology?
The benefits of WiFi 7 technology will be fully realised as you progressively upgrade your network with the best WiFi 7 devices and gadgets.
