Wi-Fi 7 demonstrates performance gains for enterprise scenarios

The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has announced the results of its Wi-Fi 7 industry trials in enterprise scenarios, conducted in collaboration with AT&T, CommScope (RUCKUS Networks) and Intel. The trials, designed to evaluate Wi-Fi 7’s real-world performance, demonstrated significant improvements in throughput, efficiency and latency, highlighting Wi-Fi 7’s ability to support mission-critical enterprise applications such as XR, AI, cloud computing and Industrial IoT.

The trials focused on assessing rate vs range performance in enterprise settings, comparing Wi-Fi 7 with Wi-Fi 6E across the 5 and 6 GHz bands. The tests, which were conducted in live enterprise environments, revealed that Wi-Fi 7 delivers:

• nearly double the throughput of Wi-Fi 6E at 5 GHz using 40 MHz channels;
• sustained 1 Gbps+ throughput up to 12 m away from the access point (AP) in the 6 GHz band with 160 MHz channels;
• lower latency and improved efficiency, supporting next-gen applications such as AR/VR, video conferencing and automation; and
• greater network reliability, helping enterprises manage high-density environments with thousands of connected devices.
   

At 6 GHz with 160 MHz channels, Wi-Fi 7 achieved nearly 2 Gbps downlink throughput at close range, maintaining over 1 Gbps up to 12 m away. In high-density enterprise settings, where access points must support thousands of simultaneous connections, Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced spectral efficiency and multi-link operation (MLO) provided more stable, reliable connectivity, mitigating network congestion even in heavily loaded conditions.

The trials focused on 160 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band, which would be typical for high-density commercial Wi-Fi 7 network deployments requiring many access points. However, most of today’s Wi-Fi 7 devices also support 320 MHz channels, which would be more common for smaller networks, thus enabling even higher levels of performance for hybrid work and consumer experiences (as documented in WBA’s Wi-Fi 7 trial report for residential settings).

Overall, the findings demonstrate Wi-Fi 7’s ability to address key connectivity challenges in smart offices, manufacturing, health care and immersive digital environments. Enterprises that rely on real-time collaboration, videoconferencing, AI-driven automation and AR/VR applications should all benefit from Wi-Fi 7’s lower latency and higher throughput, which will enable seamless user experiences without performance bottlenecks. The trials also confirmed that Wi-Fi 7 delivers significant improvements in 5 GHz networks, where many legacy devices still operate, providing backward compatibility and an easier transition for enterprises upgrading their infrastructure.

“Wi-Fi 7 is not just an evolution; it’s a game changer for enterprise connectivity,” said WBA President and CEO Tiago Rodrigues. “These trials prove that Wi-Fi 7 offers real-world improvements in speed, reliability and efficiency that businesses need to support the next generation of applications. As adoption accelerates, enterprises will see tangible benefits in everything from hybrid work and immersive experiences to AI-driven automation. The WBA is committed to ensuring the industry has the data and insights needed to maximise Wi-Fi 7’s potential.”

Following these trials, the WBA will continue to collaborate with industry leaders to accelerate Wi-Fi 7 adoption, refine implementation strategies, and support enterprises in leveraging Wi-Fi 7’s full potential.

Image credit: iStock.com/Supatman