The Future of WiFi is Here: Introducing Blazing Fast WiFi 7

WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Team

Today's multi-gigabit internet plans are racing to keep pace with the latest WiFi technology. WiFi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be and dubbed EHT for Extremely High Throughput, makes seamless home WiFi mesh systems a reality, including low latency and superior performance for high-bandwidth online activities.

Experience the Next Evolution in Connectivity: WiFi 7 Mesh Systems

Mesh WiFi systems wirelessly connect a WiFi router with mesh satellites to expand network coverage. The network devices are seamlessly handed off to the router or satellite with the strongest WiFi signal as you move throughout your space from room to room, and even outdoors.

WiFi 7 mesh systems are a great solution for large homes where a single router can’t provide adequate coverage. Mesh WiFi systems give users the flexibility to place satellites strategically around the home for optimal WiFi coverage, preventing WiFi dead spots.

A mesh WiFi system typically includes a mesh router that connects to the mesh satellites to extend the WiFi signal. The modem and router are commonly in a single unit. The router and satellites create an overlapping WiFi coverage area, providing strong and stable connections. A three-pack Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh System, for example, offers potential WiFi coverage of up to 10,000 sq. ft.

Unprecedented Speeds for Demanding Applications

Orbi mesh satellites are attractive decor pieces that offer vastly increased speeds compared to previous WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 standards. Orbi 970 Series WiFi 7 mesh unleashes speeds up to 27Gbps (theoretical maximum 46Gbps) for unparalleled performance and coverage. That’s a massive improvement on WiFi 6. Plus, Orbi WiFi 7 is backward compatible, allowing your older legacy devices to function as normal. It’s worth noting, however, that only WiFi 7-enabled devices will enjoy the full benefits of superfast WiFi 7. Here are some immediate Orbi 970 WiFi 7 advantages straight out of the box.

Faster speeds than WiFi 6E:
WiFi 7 increases maximum theoretical speeds from 9.6Gbps with WiFi 6E to a stunning 46Gbps with WiFi 7. You can take full advantage of today’s ultra-fast internet plans with gigabit-plus performance on your devices for 4K/8K streaming, VR/AR experiences, large file transfers, and more, with near-zero delay.
320MHz high-capacity channels

The all-new ultra-wide WiFi 7 bandwidth means double the potential speed to your devices. WiFi 7-enabled smartphones, for example, can get speeds up to 5Gbps when connected to an Orbi 970 mesh network. This opens up exciting new possibilities. The WiFi 7 6GHz band makes 320MHz ultra-wideband possible, allowing more devices to operate in congested WiFi neighbourhoods without interference.

Significantly lower latency

Latency has a noticeable effect on real-time data-hungry activities like multi-player gaming and video conferencing. WiFi 7 dramatically improves the user experience and opens the door for immersive next-generation VR and AR.

20% more data transmission

Modulation is the process of converting data into a WiFi signal. WiFi 7 offers 4096 QAM modulation, resulting in 20% more data that can be packed into the signal for crystal-clear video streaming, Zoom calls, and a whole lot more.

Rock-Solid Reliability, Even in Crowded Networks

WiFi 7 offers improved handling of multiple devices, making it ideal for connected homes and busy environments. One of the ways WiFi 7 achieves this is with multi-link operation (MLO), which refers to its multi-band and multi-channel capability. It aggregates multiple frequency channels using different frequency bands simultaneously. Multi-link operation offers wider channels, increased data rates, lower latency, and rock-solid reliability.
NETGEAR Orbi 970 leverages the latest WiFi 7 technologies to manage multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing multi-gig speeds or stability. WiFi 7 multi-link operation uses both the 6GHz and 5GHz bands at once to avoid network traffic congestion. It also keeps devices connected if you move out of range of one band. Multi-link operation allows devices to simultaneously send and receive data across both WiFi bands, increasing throughput.

WiFi 7 Preamble Puncturing

Nearby WiFi networks and crowded WiFi areas can slow your network down. The interference can make WiFi unavailable, or painfully slow. This scenario can be alleviated with preamble puncturing, a WiFi 7 innovation. If the interference isn’t occupying the entire channel, preamble puncturing can ‘slice’ part of the wireless channel, allowing WiFi to transmit on the unused portion. Preamble puncturing is a great way to reduce network congestion and increase connection speeds.

Lower Latency for Unmatched Responsiveness

Latency has historically been an issue for WiFi networks. Latency is a delay or lag in a system. It can refer to the time it takes for WiFi data to travel from one point to another. It can also refer to the time it takes for network hardware components to respond to one another. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 minimises those frustrating delays, enabling split-second device response for crystal-clear video calls, gaming, teleconferencing, and other real-time applications.

Impossibly Fast, Made Possible

Orbi 970 mesh systems’ unique enhanced dedicated wireless backhaul combines patented NETGEAR quad-band with WiFi 7 technology to create a superhighway between the router and satellites. The result is better throughput at a wider range and consistent up to 10Gig WiFi across your entire property. WiFi 7 delivers internet speeds on par with Ethernet cable connections for connecting laptops, iPads, gaming consoles, Apple, Samsung, and Android smartphones, and other WiFi-enabled devices.

With Orbi WiFi 7 whole-home mesh systems, you can establish a home network, guest network, and smart home Internet of Things (IoT) network, with a single login password if you like. Orbi WiFi 7 also includes encrypted WPA3 security and the option for smart parental controls to ensure everyone under your roof is protected at all times. In addition, Orbi satellites include gigabit Ethernet ports (LAN ports) and USB ports for dedicated device connections. Blazing-fast WiFi speeds are just the beginning with NETGEAR Orbi.

Why WiFi 7 is a Game-Changer

Every internet user is different, and WiFi 7 will satisfy the most tech-savvy users. Let’s explore some WiFi 7 applications for the fastest internet speeds of today and a future-proofed tomorrow.

WiFi 7 for Entertainment

WiFi 7 opens new doors for home entertainment. When connected with WiFi 7 mesh bandwidth and speeds, you can conveniently stream 4K and 8K content at once throughout the home, even in areas that were previously WiFi dead zones. WiFi 7 allows you to stream in real time, host multi-user Zoom calls, and browse the web without issue. WiFi 7 unleashes a whole new world of possibilities to explore fully interactive content. With ultra-high speeds and very low latency, users can immerse themselves in virtual worlds with life-like responsiveness.

WiFi 7 for Gamers

WiFi 7 is a massive advantage for gamers wanting a winning advantage. HD gamers will experience a huge drop in latency, removing lag issues that can otherwise ruin the experience. Games can download in a fraction of the time with WiFi 7 compared to earlier WiFi standards, and the content will render faster and clearer than ever. WiFi 7 can stream ultra-high-definition content seamlessly with real-time responsiveness, opening up new possibilities for AR and VR gaming.

WiFi 7 for Home

WiFi 7 mesh systems deliver immediate improvements for the smart homes of today. WiFi 7 technology facilitates better internet connections for remote work, study, and leisure activities. Everyone under one roof can enjoy their private WiFi connection without glitchy video, slow downloads, or buffering. In addition, you can configure a smart home network for applications such as security systems, Amazon Alexa, and smart TVs. WiFi 7 introduces users to the smart home of the future.

WiFi 7 for Business

WiFi 7 business users experience noticeable performance improvements in shared office networks thanks to improved speeds, greater bandwidth, and new features like multi-link operation. NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 mesh systems unlock intriguing opportunities for incorporating AR and VR into the workplace. Next-generation WiFi applications include goggles with AR-enhanced heads-up displays, robust IoT-enhanced smart office products, and workplace automation technologies.

Powering Smart Homes of the Future

Smart home devices require a reliable WiFi connection. Traditionally, most smart home devices operate on the 2.4GHz frequency, but times are changing, and many newer smart home IoT applications are designed to work on the 5GHz bandwidth. Tri-band WiFi 6E and Quad-band WiFi 7 mesh systems potentially offer better smart home connections by including the 6GHz band.

NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 can handle more devices, use less power, and provide heightened levels of security for your entire smart home network. As more WiFi 7-enabled devices hit the market, smart homes keep getting smarter. Congestion caused by WiFi signals interfering with each other used to be an issue, but WiFi 7 solves that. If your system gets congested, Orbi WiFi routers and satellites are automatically configured to switch to a different channel.
In addition, Orbi 970 whole-home WiFi mesh systems can connect to more than 200 devices in concurrent use. If your WiFi network is struggling to keep pace with the modern world, or you are someone who likes to have the fastest, most stable WiFi available, it could be time to upgrade to NETGEAR Orbi 970 WiFi 7. NETGEAR is a thought leader and innovator in the realm of next-generation WiFi.

Stay Tuned for NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 Lineup

These are exciting times for wireless networking, and the NETGEAR lineup has got WiFi fans excited. The story has just begun with the introduction of WiFi 7 NETGEAR devices that include the Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Mesh System (two-pack or three-pack) and the superfast NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router (the gamer’s favourite). Wireless networking has evolved, and the time is now to experience the best WiFi 7 routers and mesh systems on the planet, courtesy of NETGEAR.



How to set up Mesh WiFi

NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 mesh systems offer a hassle-free setup in a few simple steps.

Connect your Orbi Mesh Router to your ISP router and place the satellites in the desired locations around your home. Place the router close to the middle of your home if possible and position the satellites around the edge of your premises.

Once the Orbi satellites are in position and plugged in, use the handy Orbi app to configure the router and satellites.

Test the satellite’s signal strength. Reposition the satellites if necessary to improve connection quality. Make sure the signal between the router and satellites overlaps to ensure the strongest possible wireless connections across the entire network.

WiFi 7 Mesh System FAQs

What are the user-friendly benefits of WiFi 7 mesh?

WiFi 7 mesh systems offer key benefits that older WiFi standards can’t match. These include:
1. WiFi Speed – 5x faster speeds than WiFi 6E
Orbi WiFi 7 mesh increases maximum speeds from 9.6Gbps to a stunning 27Gbps, so you can take full advantage of today’s ultra-fast internet plans with gigabit-plus performance on your devices.
2. 2x maximum bandwidth – with the introduction of 320MHz high-capacity channel, this new ultra-wide bandwidth means double the speed to your devices.
3.Significantly lower latency – Latency has a noticeable effect on real-time activities like gaming and video conferencing.
4. 20% more data transmission with 4096 QAM modulation. With more data being able to be moved faster this enables crystal-clear video streaming, Zoom calls and more.

What makes NETGEAR a WiFi 7 leader?

NETGEAR has been building the world’s best networking devices since the 1990s, and the tradition continues. With diverse experience across home, business, mesh, and mobile 5G networking, NETGEAR has a unique understanding of WiFi 7 technology and the capability to deliver state-of-the-art WiFi systems for the devices of today and a future-proofed tomorrow.