With its unprecedented speeds, lower latency, and ability to support a greater number of simultaneous connections, WiFi7 may well be the answer to Asia’s rapid urbanisation and the increasing adoption of IoT devices. It offers businesses the capacity to support seamless operations and improve collaboration across various sectors.
CIOs and heads of infrastructure must recognise the strategic implications of integrating WiFi7 into their connectivity strategies. Higher data rates and advanced features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) can significantly enhance user experience, improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
By addressing key considerations—such as security, budget impacts, and staff training—leaders can effectively harness WiFi7 meet current demands and unlock new business models and opportunities for growth in an increasingly connected landscape.
In this PodChats for FutureIoT, Sanjiv Verma, vice president of RUCKUS Networks for APAC, Commscope emphasises that Wi-Fi 7 brings significant advancements in speed, latency, and the ability to support multiple simultaneous connections. He posits that “Wi-Fi 7 is four times better" than its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows various radios to operate simultaneously, enabling load balancing and lower latency, which is crucial for real-time applications such as gaming and AI.
Business Applications
Verma identifies sectors that will significantly benefit from Wi-Fi 7:
- Gaming and Entertainment: Real-time streaming requires higher bandwidth.
- Healthcare: Quick access to digital images is essential for doctors during patient visits.
- Hospitality: Seamless Wi-Fi is now expected as a utility by guests.
He states, "Customer experience is critical for any business to be successful," highlighting that businesses in these sectors must adopt advanced technologies to enhance customer satisfaction.
Impact on Existing Networks
Verma notes that many existing networks rely on older technologies and recommends upgrading infrastructure to support newer applications, especially given the increasing demands from AI and content creation. He stresses the need for businesses to future-proof their networks to accommodate growth in video consumption and other multimedia applications.
Best Practices for Integration
He mentions that Wi-Fi 7 is backwards compatible, allowing integration with existing Wi-Fi 5 and 6 devices. Businesses should consider upgrading only the necessary parts of their networks to support newer applications while maintaining compatibility.
Anticipated Challenges
Planning is crucial when transitioning to Wi-Fi 7. Verma cautions that businesses must keep their networks up to date to avoid costly downtimes. He advises a long-term strategic view to ensure upgrades meet future demands and avoid ad hoc migrations.
Security Measures
Verma asserts that security protocols do not change significantly with Wi-Fi 7, as the same security practices apply to Wi-Fi 6. "Customers need to ensure their network infrastructure is protected using the right security technologies," he advises.
Budget Considerations
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 may initially incur higher costs, but prices typically decrease with mass adoption. Verma suggests that organisations should plan for incremental budget increases and invest in higher capacities than currently needed to accommodate future demands.
Training Requirements
Training will be necessary to manage the new features of Wi-Fi 7, mainly related to MLO and the increased use of multiple radios. However, he reassures that fundamental troubleshooting skills remain the same.
Projected ROI
Verma defines the ROI of upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 regarding customer experience and retention. He explains that improved customer satisfaction leads to higher retention and acquisition rates. Organisations should consider the potential cost savings from using a unified infrastructure for Wi-Fi and IoT applications.
Future Business Models
With the shift towards an on-demand economy, Verma believes businesses can leverage Wi-Fi 7 to create new models requiring robust infrastructure. He points out that managing fluctuating service demand will be critical for success.
Connectivity Expectations
Verma anticipates that Wi-Fi 7 will become mainstream within the next few years, although current adoption is still in its early stages. He expects significant growth in device compatibility and infrastructure upgrades soon.
Click on the PodChat player to hear Verma’s views on the opportunities Wi-Fi 7 offers for enterprises in detail.
- What are the specific business needs that Wi-Fi 7 promises to address within organisations in Asia?
- How will the increased capacity of Wi-Fi 7 affect existing network infrastructure?
- Provide 1 or 2 best practices for ensuring seamless integration of Wi-Fi 7 with existing applications and services.
- What potential challenges should we anticipate during the transition to Wi-Fi 7?
- What security measures should organisations implement to protect our network while rolling out Wi-Fi 7?
- How will the deployment of Wi-Fi 7 impact the IT budget and resource allocation?
- What training will be required to manage and maintain a Wi-Fi 7 network?
- What is the projected ROI for upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 compared to keeping what is in place today?
- How can businesses leverage Wi-Fi 7 to create new business models or improve existing services?
- Can you share views on what we can expect around connectivity in the next 2-3 years?
