Only one in 50 homes in the US currently uses a Wi-Fi 7 router, but the next generation of wireless routers is already on the way. New details about Wi-Fi 8 were just released by Qualcomm , with the standard expected to be finalized in 2028.
While Wi-Fi 7 is all about speed, increasing the maximum amount of data that can be transferred from 2.4Gbps to 5.8Gbps, Wi-Fi 8 will focus on improving reliability. The initiative is called Ultra High Reliability, and it says it aims to make connections “faster, more responsive, and more resilient.”
The reality is that most of us have all the Wi-Fi speed we need. Online gaming and video conferencing don’t require more than 50Mbps, but the average U.S. household gets 288Mbps. The real pain point for most of us is when our internet drops out or can’t reach parts of our home. Those are the problems that Wi-Fi 8 aims to solve.
“We’ve had significant increases in throughput and speed and area over generations. Now we’re at a stage where we really need to make sure we have a very high-quality, reliable, low-latency user experience,” Rolf de Vegt, Qualcomm’s vice president of technical standards, told CNET.
According to a working paper published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Wi-Fi 8, or 802.11bn, will have the following goals:
- At least 25% more throughput in challenging signal conditions.
- 25% lower latency in the 95th percentile of the latency distribution.
- 25% fewer dropped packets, especially when roaming between access points.
Wi-Fi for the AI world
Many of the improvements described in the Wi-Fi 8 document predict a world where AI is deeply embedded in everyday life. Instead of raw data throughput being Wi-Fi’s North Star, responsiveness and reliability are now prioritized.
“By 2028, you’re in a situation where there’s a significant amount of devices that are completely dependent on a continuous, high-speed, low-latency connection,” De Vegt says. “With things like AI, there’s a significant dependency on higher reliability on your Wi-Fi.”
Wi-Fi 8 engineers are also working to develop a standard that can withstand challenging environments where congestion, interference, and coverage limits have previously hampered the user experience. Qualcomm’s report cites the rise of “personal device ecosystems” such as augmented reality glasses, health monitors, and wearable technology as a reason for the improved dynamics of local Wi-Fi networks.
“Whether wearable, embedded in a smart environment, or autonomous, AI-driven systems require reliable, low-latency connectivity to access edge or cloud-based AI to achieve real-time inference,” De Vegt writes in Qualcomm’s report.
Improved Wi-Fi range
A big part of the Wi-Fi 8 standard’s goal of reliability is to maintain a continuous connection across multiple access points. One of the new features is called single mobility domains, which allow devices to maintain a seamless connection as they move around a space. Previous Wi-Fi standards were prone to small interruptions or packet drops as a device passed on to another access point.
Extended range will also be one of the key improvements for Wi-Fi 8 routers, with “physical layer range enhancements” to maintain high-quality connections at the outer edges of the router’s coverage.
These routers will also be designed to work in high-density environments, such as apartment buildings or airports, where overlapping signals can often cause lag and slow connections. Wi-Fi 8 routers will have something called multi-AP, or access point, coordination. This feature will allow routers to work together instead of independently sharing resources between access points.
How to improve your Wi-Fi connection right now
Three years is still a long time to wait for a more reliable Wi-Fi connection. Fortunately, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers still offer more than enough speed for most households, and there are several things you can do to increase the reliability of your network right now:
- Upgrade to a mesh system : Many Wi-Fi routers list coverage areas of up to 5,000 square feet, but I generally recommend switching to a mesh system if your home is larger than 2,500 square feet. This will essentially eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones in your home, covering every room with strong, consistent Wi-Fi.
- Prioritize router traffic : Most routers these days have a quality of service setting that allows you to prioritize traffic to specific devices. If you want to make sure your work meeting or online game is never interrupted, this is a great option. You can usually configure these settings in your router’s app.
- Buy your own router : 71% of internet subscribers in the US rent equipment from their provider. Learn from my mistake: It will save you money in the long run to buy your own router (and possibly a modem). You might even get a nice speed boost in the process. When I replaced my Xfinity equipment with a budget modem and router, my speeds went from 164/5Mbps to 237/118Mbps.
- Move your router : When I spoke to two Wi-Fi techs earlier this year, they told me that one of the most common mistakes they see when working on home networks is the placement of Wi-Fi routers. Since they’re not the most aesthetically pleasing gadgets to look at, many people are tempted to put them in a closet, behind a couch, or on the floor. This can significantly reduce your router’s signal strength. For the best connection, your router should ideally be in a room in your home, a few feet off the ground and somewhere you can see it. If you can, move it at least a foot away from a wall.
