Smart Home Revolution: Wi-Fi 8 Set to Bring Dramatic Upgrades
Wi-Fi 8, the next generation of wireless networking technology, is currently in development and is expected to be finalised in 2028. This new standard, known as IEEE 802.11bn, is being developed under the name Ultra High Reliability (UHR) with a focus on enhancing wireless connectivity, particularly in challenging signal environments[1][3].
Unlike its predecessor, Wi-Fi 7, which primarily focuses on increasing raw speed, Wi-Fi 8 aims to provide a 25% improvement in real-world throughput, latency, and packet loss under difficult conditions such as edge-of-coverage areas, interference, and high-density venues[1][3].
Key features of Wi-Fi 8 include Ultra High Reliability (UHR), Seamless Roaming, Multi-Access Point Coordination, Improved In-Device Coexistence, Physical Layer Enhancements, and Latency Reduction[2][3][5]. These advancements are designed to make wireless connections smoother, more stable, and more predictable over a broader range and in highly congested or interference-prone areas such as industrial, urban, and dense residential settings[3][5].
One of the main benefits of Wi-Fi 8 is its ability to allow for more devices to be connected at longer ranges, with greater reliability. It is expected to boost the performance of wireless networks, reducing dropped connections, latency, and packet loss, particularly in challenging conditions[1][2][3][5].
Qualcomm is one of the companies involved in the development of Wi-Fi 8 and is expected to be a major player in supporting hardware for Wi-Fi 8, particularly for mobile devices like AR headsets, wearables, and smartphones[1]. Qualcomm predicts that Wi-Fi 8 will result in 25% fewer packets being dropped, particularly during roaming between access points[1].
The development of Wi-Fi protocols is handled by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). While it might be some time before the benefits of Wi-Fi 8 are seen in public spaces, as Wi-Fi 7 is still new and not widely adopted, the advancements in Wi-Fi 8 are expected to have significant implications for the future of wireless networking[1][2][3].
In summary, Wi-Fi 8 enhances wireless connectivity in challenging conditions by prioritizing reliability, seamless mobility, and interference mitigation rather than focusing on peak throughput gains, marking a shift towards a more wired-like predictable wireless experience[1][2][3][5].
[1] Qualcomm. (n.d.). Wi-Fi 8: The Future of Wireless Connectivity. Retrieved from https://www.qualcomm.com/products/wi-fi/802-11bn [2] IEEE Standards Association. (n.d.). 802.11bn Task Group. Retrieved from https://standards.ieee.org/develop/802/11/802.11bn.html [3] Wi-Fi Alliance. (n.d.). Wi-Fi 8: A New Era of Wireless Connectivity. Retrieved from https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-8 [4] Sky Broadband. (2022). Gigafast+ Hub with Wi-Fi 7. Retrieved from https://www.sky.com/shop/broadband/gigafast/gigafast-plus-hub-with-wifi-6
In the pipeline of technology advancements, Wi-Fi 8, with its focus on enhancing wireless connectivity, particularly in difficult conditions, is poised to revolutionize data-and-cloud computing in smart-home environments by providing a 25% improvement in real-world throughput, latency, and packet loss. The key features of Wi-Fi 8, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), Seamless Roaming, and Latency Reduction, are designed to create a more stable and predictable wireless experience, enabling smoother connections even in industrial, urban, and dense residential settings.
