Wi-Fi technology is evolving rapidly, with the current adoption rate for Wi-Fi 7 standing at just one in 50 homes in the U.S., despite the expected deployment of Wi-Fi 8. Qualcomm recently released new information regarding Wi-Fi 8, which is set to be finalized in 2028. While Wi-Fi 7 emphasizes speed, increasing data transmission rates from 2.4 Gbps to 5.8 Gbps, Wi-Fi 8 shifts focus toward enhancing reliability. Dubbed “Ultra High Reliability,” its goal is to create faster, more responsive, and robust connections, addressing the prevalent issues of connectivity drops and coverage in various households.
Most users currently have sufficient speed, as everyday activities such as online gaming and video conferencing typically require less than 50 Mbps, while the average U.S. household enjoys speeds of around 288 Mbps. The main concerns for users lie in maintaining a steady internet connection, particularly in larger homes or areas with multiple devices. Qualcomm’s Rolf De Vegt highlights the contemporary need for high-quality, reliable experiences over merely faster speeds. The goals laid out by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for Wi-Fi 8 include achieving at least 25% higher throughput in challenging conditions, reducing latency by a similar margin, and minimizing packet loss during device transitions.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the demands for reliable connectivity will only increase. Wi-Fi 8 aims to accommodate a future teeming with interconnected devices that rely on continuous, low-latency internet access. De Vegt mentions that by 2028, these devices will be crucial for tasks ranging from augmented reality to health monitoring. Therefore, engineers are designing Wi-Fi 8 standards with robust performance capabilities suitable for environments prone to interference, congestion, and variable coverage, driven by the growing number of personal device ecosystems.
A key feature of Wi-Fi 8 is its “Single Mobility Domains” capability, which promotes uninterrupted connections across multiple access points as users move through spaces. This fixes a common problem seen in past standards, where handoffs between access points led to temporary connectivity drops. Additionally, Wi-Fi 8 routers will introduce enhanced physical layer features aimed at extending coverage range while ensuring high-quality connections even at the edges of a router’s operational domain. This will be particularly beneficial in high-density environments, such as multi-unit residences and public spaces, where signal overlap creates challenges.
While the advent of Wi-Fi 8 may seem tantalizing, consumers don’t need to wait for three more years to upgrade their Wi-Fi experiences. Many existing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers already offer sufficient speed for most households, and there are practical steps to enhance current network reliability. Upgrading to a mesh system is advisable for homes exceeding 2,500 square feet, effectively removing Wi-Fi dead zones. Users can also take advantage of Quality of Service settings available on most modern routers to prioritize internet traffic for specific devices.
Furthermore, investing in a personal router instead of renting from an internet provider can yield significant long-term benefits. Enhanced performance is often reported after users make such switches. Additionally, optimizing router placement can dramatically improve signal strength. Typically, routers should be strategically located in central areas of the home, elevated a few feet off the ground, and kept clear of walls and obstructions. Implementing these adjustments can lead to a noticeable improvement in overall connectivity and online experiences.
