We have been hearing about it for months Wi-Fi 7 –under the technical name of version 802.11be–, but it was not until just a few weeks ago when giants like Movistar began to implement its new routers compatible with this technology. The promises are clear: greater traffic capacity, lower latency, better coverage… Let’s try to put some order and explain in plain language what exactly do we win when moving to a WiFi 7 router.
Speed. WiFi 7 is a noticeably faster technology than Wi-Fi 6. Specifically, it has a theoretical speed up to 4.8 times faster under ideal conditions. For example, if we have a compatible smartphone, we can reach speeds of up to 5 Gbps. In other words, if you have contracted 10 Gbps fibera WiFi 7 router is an essential ally.
Latency. A fact closely linked to speed is latency: A fast connection is of no use if the latency is high. WiFi 7 is capable of combining the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands under the name MLO (Multi-Link Operation).
In other words, WiFi 7 opens up multiple lanes on the highway instead of just one: both bands can be used at the same time, immediately relieving congestion.
Coverage. Having this dual path not only allows you to reduce latency, WiFi 7 also allows you to enjoy better coverage. The 2.4 GHz band allows you to go further, but is slower than the 5 GHz band. The latter is especially fast, but loses strength with distance and physical obstacles.
With WiFi 7, the device can switch between both without you noticing the change, so you will notice that you always have the best network coverage available.
Stability. The same principle applies to network stability. In a traditional router, we choose which band to connect to. Generally, we tend to connect to the faster 5 GHz band. It is the ideal band for playing games, downloading files and performing tasks that require maximum speed, but it is not as stable as 2.4 GHz.
When working with MLO, we will notice a much more stable connection, something that will be especially noticeable in multi-story homes, rooms far from the router, busy buildings, and at times when the 5 GHz band does not provide the necessary stability.
Usage scenarios. The last point has to do with the general summary of WiFi 7 routers: they are simply better at everything. They allow us to take advantage of the operators’ new rates, improve home coverage, increase bandwidth significantly, and allow us to enjoy the maximum contracted speed even in rooms where we may have previously had limitations.
WiFi 7 allows playing online, downloading files, uploading files, or performing any type of high-demand task to be done anywhere in the house.
Go deeper. 2026 is going to be the year of XGS-PON technology, with 10 GBps fiber beginning to be included in large operators. A standard in which we have been working for more than ten yearsand in which Movistar, Orange and Digi are beginning to lead.
Orange still installs WiFi 6E routers, Digi allows installing the WiFi 7 router starting at 750 MBps, but Movistar will always include the WiFi 7 router. A war that will begin to intensify when the rest of the operators begin to compete to offer WiFi 7, and that will mark a before and after in our network connection.
In Xataka | Bridge mode of the Movistar Smart WiFi 7 router: how to configure it to use a neutral router with it
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings