Microsoft has commenced testing Wi-Fi 7 support in Windows 11, aiming to provide users with multi-gigabit speeds and improved wireless performance compared to previous Wi-Fi generations. Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT), introduces significant advancements such as 320 MHz superwide channels exclusive to the 6 GHz spectrum. This exclusive feature doubles the throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6, enabling multigigabit speeds for Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Additionally, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) support enhances traffic distribution among links, contributing to improved throughput and heightened reliability. The adoption of the 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) advanced modulation technique further boosts transmission rates by 20% compared to Wi-Fi 6, enhancing overall data transfer efficiency.
Microsoft emphasizes that Wi-Fi 7 offers unprecedented speed, reliability, and efficiency for wireless devices. Users can anticipate up to 4x faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6 and nearly 6x faster than Wi-Fi 5. To take advantage of these performance enhancements, users will need both an access point and a computer with Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, already available in the market from various vendors. It’s important to note that the actual performance of Wi-Fi 7 systems may vary based on the manufacturer and the hardware capabilities of the devices. The support for Wi-Fi 7 is currently undergoing testing in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26063, specifically in the Canary Channel, ensuring that the latest technological advancements are seamlessly integrated into the Windows operating system.
