NC Nov-Dec 2023

OPINION: WI-FI 7
THE MAGNIFICENT 7?
KALAM MEAH, ISP DIRECTOR AT TP-LINK UK & IRELAND LTD.,
CONSIDERS HOW BUSINESSES CAN EMBRACE THE NEXT STAGE
OF CONNECTIVITY WITH WI-FI 7
The arrival of Wi-Fi 7 marks the next stage
of wireless connectivity, offering reduced
latency, seamless 4K streaming and ultrafast
downloads. While Wi-Fi 6 was created to
handle the growth of connected devices, Wi-Fi
7 delivers astounding speeds for these devices
with more power and efficiency, achieving data
rates of up to 46 Gbps - 4.8 times faster than
Wi-Fi 6. This new technology will be pivotal in
supporting the rollout of evolving technologies,
such as AR, VR and the Internet of Things (IoT),
across healthcare, education and hospitality.
Few mainstream devices currently support the
technology, but businesses can still embrace
Wi-Fi 7 and plan for its long-term use within
their organisations. Older devices in the 2.4,
5, and 6 GHz spectrum bands can connect via
Wi-Fi 7, albeit at slower speeds. That gives
businesses the flexibility required for a
smoother, more cost-effective transition,
meaning they can upgrade their networks
gradually without wholesale device
replacement.
ENHANCING HEALTHCARE DELIVERY
Delivering timely, best-in-class elective care to
a backlog of more than 7 million patients is an
ever-evolving problem. Wi-Fi 7's improved
connectivity will support medical professionals
and clinicians across diagnosis, treatment,
research, and innovation adoption.
The pandemic demonstrated how to deliver
non-urgent healthcare remotely and online.
Telemedicine solutions help alleviate pressure
by reducing the time spent on face-to-face
care, and remote patient monitoring (RMP)
eliminates the need for regular in-person
check-ups. Keeping devices and hospitals
connected is the leading challenge here; the
number of hospital-based IoMT (Internet of
Medical Things) is projected to exceed seven
million by 2026, with more than 3,850 per
smart hospital.
These solutions require robust infrastructure
to ensure secure, timely transmission of health
data between patients' homes and hospitals.
Wi-Fi 7's integration with IoT-based systems
delivers just that.
CHANGING THE FACE OF THE
CLASSROOM
Wi-Fi 7 will be a game-changer for education.
Students and teachers can download and
upload learning resources more quickly,
stream videos with less lag, and participate in
virtual lessons with minimal disruption.
High-definition video conferencing and
immersive VR experiences will be better
supported through advanced technologies like
MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input,
Multiple Output), enhancing remote and
hybrid learning environments by allowing
multiple devices to communicate
simultaneously without delays or quality issues.
Increasingly, academic trusts are adopting
tech-based ecosystems to improve security,
cost and energy efficiency. Many schools are
already utilising smart lights and motion
sensors to automate lighting and reduce
energy consumption, while smart locks,
surveillance cameras and access control
systems are helping schools limit or extend
access, protecting students, staff and property.
Wi-Fi 6 may struggle to support the breadth
of these technologies effectively. Wi-Fi 7, on
the other hand, can fuel the transition to Smart
Schools with five times the network capacity
and 480% more throughput than Wi-Fi 6.
BRINGING HOSPITALITY INTO THE
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL AGE
From independent coffee shops to large hotel
complexes, customers expect uninterrupted Wi-
Fi connectivity, and staff rely on it to organise
bookings, take payments and update stock
lists. Increased bandwidth and multi-channel
capabilities will significantly improve hotel
connectivity, enabling Wi-Fi 7 to accommodate
thousands of connected devices. Via apps,
hotels can transform guest experiences with
more control and enhanced security through
sensors, thermostats and other devices.
Automated check-in allows guests to arrive at
unsociable hours and reduces the number of
staff required to welcome them.
Managing the unified infrastructure of large
hotel complexes remotely over Wi-Fi 7 will
enable IT technicians to monitor devices and
network health, responding to connectivity
issues near-instantaneously without having to
visit the site.
NOT 'IF', BUT 'WHEN'
As it evolves and becomes more established,
Wi-Fi 7 will usher in a new era of connectivity.
That's why it's essential for organisations to be
aware of its potential. As one of the key
building blocks that spearheads innovation,
industries should embrace this opportunity to
harness the power of Wi-Fi 7 to improve
communications, enhance customer
experience and streamline operations for
stakeholders and customers. NC
WWW.NETWORKCOMPUTING.CO.UK NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 31
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