WiFi 7，到底升级了啥？

Core Insights - Wi-Fi 7, officially launching in January 2024, promises significant improvements in speed, latency, and efficiency, addressing common issues like buffering and video call interruptions [2][4][11] Technical Definitions - Speed refers to the theoretical maximum data transfer rate under ideal conditions, often misaligned with real-world performance [3] - Bandwidth indicates the maximum capacity of a communication channel, akin to the number of lanes on a highway [3] - Throughput measures the actual data transmitted in real-world scenarios, affected by various factors like congestion and hardware limitations [3] Wi-Fi 7 Technical Advancements - Wi-Fi 7 can achieve theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps, five times faster than Wi-Fi 6E's 9.6 Gbps [4][8] - It doubles the maximum channel width from 160 MHz in Wi-Fi 6E to 320 MHz, enhancing data transmission capacity [4][8] - The introduction of 4096-QAM modulation allows Wi-Fi 7 to transmit 12 bits per symbol, significantly increasing data density compared to Wi-Fi 6E's 10 bits [4][8] Real-World Implications - Wi-Fi 7's Multi-Link Operation (MLO) enables simultaneous use of multiple frequency bands, improving speed and reliability [5][9] - Enhanced resource allocation through Multi-RU allows for adaptive bandwidth distribution based on device needs, optimizing performance for high-demand applications [6][9] - The upgraded Target Wake Time (TWT) feature improves battery efficiency for IoT devices, reducing charging frequency [6][9] User Experience Enhancements - Faster speeds enable multiple users to stream, game, and video conference simultaneously without issues [9] - Reduced disconnections due to intelligent frequency management and multi-band operation [9] - Smarter resource management ensures all devices receive adequate bandwidth, enhancing overall network performance [9] Performance Testing Results - Real-world tests show Wi-Fi 7 achieving TCP throughput of 3.5 Gbps in a 4500 square foot home, with 2 Gbps maintained at common distances [10] - In enterprise settings, Wi-Fi 7 can sustain 1 Gbps throughput at 40 feet distance on the 6 GHz band, nearly doubling Wi-Fi 6E performance [10] - Consistent low latency and high spectral efficiency were confirmed in various testing environments, indicating robust performance under load [10] Impact on IT and Network Infrastructure - Wi-Fi 7 is designed for future-proofing networks, accommodating bandwidth-intensive applications like AR/VR and smart home devices [11][13] - It requires compatible endpoints and updated infrastructure to fully leverage its capabilities, particularly in the 6 GHz band [12][13] - Awareness of current Wi-Fi standards and their limitations is crucial for effective network planning and upgrades [12][13]