In an AI future that is obsessed with data, Wi-Fi 8 aims to put dependability first, but it won’t be available for several years. However, I am aware of some good router options that you may purchase today.

Although only one out of every fifty US homes has a Wi-Fi 7 router at the moment, the next generation of wireless routers is already in the works. Qualcomm has unveiled new information about Wi-Fi 8, which is anticipated to be finalized in 2028.

Wi-Fi 8 will concentrate on enhancing dependability, whereas Wi-Fi 7 is all about speed, raising the maximum data rate that could be sent from 2.4Gbps to 5.8Gbps. Known as Ultra High Reliability, the program aims to make connections “faster, more responsive, and more robust.”

In actuality, the majority of us have all the necessary Wi-Fi speed. While the median US family receives 288Mbps, online gaming and videoconferencing don’t require speeds greater than 50Mbps. For most of us, the worst thing is when our internet stops working or doesn’t reach certain areas of the house. These are the issues that Wi-Fi 8 aims to address.

Throughput, speeds, and area have all increased significantly throughout the generations. At this point, we must ensure that our user experience is dependable, high-quality, and low-latency,” Rolf De Vegt, vice president of technical standards at Qualcomm, told CNET.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers’ scope paper states that Wi-Fi 8, or 802.11bn, will aim to achieve the following goals:

• a throughput increase of at least 25% under difficult signal circumstances.
• At the 95th percentile of the latency distribution, the latency is 25% lower.
• 25% fewer packets are dropped, particularly when moving between access points.

Wi-Fi in an AI environment:

Numerous enhancements listed in the Wi-Fi 8 scope document foreshadow a future when artificial intelligence is pervasive in daily life. Reactivity and dependability are increasingly being given priority over raw data capacity as the Wi-Fi north star.

De Vegt predicts that by 2028, a sizable number of gadgets will be entirely dependent on constant, fast, low-latency connectivity. “There’s a big reliance on your Wi-Fi being more reliable when using things like AI.”

Engineers working on Wi-Fi 8 are also trying to create a standard that can withstand challenging situations where coverage boundaries, congestion, and interference have previously hampered user experience. According to Qualcomm’s analysis, enhancing the dynamism of local Wi-Fi networks is justified by the rise in “personal device ecosystems,” which include wearable technology, health monitors, and augmented reality glasses.

In the Qualcomm paper, De Vegt states that “reliable, low-latency connectivity is required to access edge or cloud-based AI for real-time inference, whether wearable, embedded in smart environments, or autonomous, AI-driven systems.”

Increased Wi-Fi coverage:

dependability over numerous access points is a key component of the Wi-Fi 8 standard’s dependability target. Single Mobility Domains is one of the new capabilities that enables devices to move across an area while maintaining a continuous connection. As the device switches to a new access point, minor disruptions or packet failures were typical in earlier Wi-Fi standards.

With a “range of physical layer enhancements” implemented to preserve high-quality connections at the boundaries of a router’s coverage, Wi-Fi 8 routers will also have an extended range.

Additionally, these routers will be built to function in high-density settings, such as airports or apartment complexes, where overlapping signals frequently cause a sluggish and lag-prone connection. Multi-AP (access point) coordination will be a feature of Wi-Fi 8 routers. By using this functionality, routers will be able to exchange resources between access points cooperatively rather than separately.

How to immediately strengthen your Wi-Fi connection:

Waiting three years for a more dependable Wi-Fi connection is still a long time. Thankfully, most homes can still get more than enough speed from Wi-Fi 6 and 7 routers, and there are a few things you can do today to make your network more dependable:

Make the switch to a mesh system: If your home is greater than 2,500 square feet, I normally advise moving to a mesh system, even though many Wi-Fi routers indicate coverage areas up to 5,000 square feet. By doing this, your home’s Wi-Fi dead zones will be virtually eliminated, and powerful, consistent Wi-Fi will cover every room.

Set your router’s traffic priorities: These days, the majority of routers have Quality of Service options that allow you to give particular devices priority for traffic. This is an excellent choice if you want to guarantee that your online game or business meeting won’t be interrupted. Usually, the app on your router allows you to adjust these settings.

Purchase a router of your own: In the US, 71% of internet users rent gear from their service provider. Learn from my error: purchasing your own router (and potentially modem) will ultimately save you money. In the process, you can even experience a pleasant speed increase. After replacing my Xfinity equipment with a low-cost modem and router, my speeds went from 164/5Mbps to 237/118Mbps.

Relocate your router: Earlier this year, I spoke with two Wi-Fi specialists, and they informed me that one of the most frequent errors they encounter when working on home networks is the positioning of Wi-Fi routers. Many individuals are tempted to hide them in a cupboard, behind the couch, or on the floor because they aren’t the most visually appealing devices. The signal strength of your router may be considerably reduced as a result. Your router should ideally placed in a centrally positioned room of your house, a few feet from the ground, and in a visible location for the greatest connection. Additionally, try to relocate it at least a foot away from the wall.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only. The content reflects the author’s personal opinions and research and should not be taken as professional or technical advice. Product recommendations are based on general use cases and may vary depending on individual needs. We do not receive compensation from any product or brand mentioned in this post. Always verify technical specifications before making a purchase.