The rhythm of reliability: How to amplify your network now with Wi-Fi 7

For users everywhere, news of Wi-Fi 7’s arrival was music to their ears. And why wouldn’t it be? Especially as it enhances network infrastructure and accommodates new technology without discarding the valuable components of previous generations—much like a pop anthem of today might sample a Rolling Stones song. Making the move to Wi-Fi 7 can be crucial for organizations of all kinds, especially those seeking to improve their wireless networks’ speed, reliability, and efficiency. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t factors to reflect on first. Keep reading for a curated playlist of the key benefits and considerations to discuss before you upgrade.

1. “I Want It That Way” – The bandwidth ballad

Beneath this boy band bop lies a longing that’s all too familiar to users who want more out of their network. We all want our Wi-Fi fast, reliable, and capable of multitasking without missing a beat. Wi-Fi 7 excels here, boasting speeds that would make even the fastest Wi-Fi 6 look like a slow jam. Imagine streaming 4K videos or engaging VR with zero lag—this is the promise of Wi-Fi 7, thanks to its broader 320 MHz channels. Multi-gigabit Ethernet paves the way for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points, as well as IoT devices, delivering blazing-fast performance. Using existing CAT5e and CAT6 twisted pair wiring, multi-gigabit Ethernet saves you the expense and reduces the complexity of a new cabling infrastructure. Overall, multi-gig Ethernet is sure to provide the throughput for the whole band to be heard.

2. “We Will Rock You” – Rallying for capacity

Queen’s anthem isn’t just a sports event staple; it’s the vibe of a network that’s ready to handle a rush of connections thanks to Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output (MU-MIMO). This new standard is like adding more speakers to your system, ensuring everyone in the stadium—or any high-density environment—gets crystal-clear sound without interference.

3. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – The low-latency anthem

Journey’s timeless plea to keep the faith is particularly poignant when dreaming of ultra-low latency. Wi-Fi 7 delivers on this, meaning whether you’re working on a high-stakes assignment or conducting a crucial video conference, you can trust in a connection that’s as steadfast as this classic. Melding new tech with old tech can introduce challenges in roaming due to variances in client devices and AP capabilities – but it’s nothing strategic planning can’t overcome. With the help of SHI’s wireless network presales engineers, your organization can navigate these complexities with ease, ensuring that your infrastructure not only meets today’s demands but is also prepared for future advancements in wireless technology.

4. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” – A power struggle song

Transitioning to Wi-Fi 7 might demand some real rockstar energy, particularly when it involves powering up the new Wi-Fi 7 access points that require more juice. The switch from traditional Power over Ethernet (PoE) to Universal PoE (UPoE) could seem daunting. But don’t fret; this is simply part of the process of a switch upgrade. SHI’s engineers can make sure you’re getting the most out of your network, so you get the most bang for your buck.

5. “I Gotta Feeling” – Compatibility crooners

Tonight’s gonna be a good night, especially if your shiny new Wi-Fi 7 setup is backward compatible with your current devices. Yet, when you’re mixing Wi-Fi 5 Wave 1 APs with the new Wi-Fi 6 and 7 AP, the combination gets more complex. With different feature sets and the challenge of fully testing all feature interactions from old to new, coordination is key.

One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring seamless roaming—a task complicated by varying client drivers, different radios, antennas, and chipsets. Although channel and power level algorithms certainly can assist, it’s not a cure-all. With the right guidance and thorough infrastructure checks, including consulting OEM deployment guides and checking code revisions for compatibility, you’re set for a melodious transition. Migrating isn’t just about welcoming the new but also ensuring the old can keep up, smoothly blending different clients and ensuring they sing for the ages.

6. “Under Pressure” – Safeguarding the symphony

Pressure does indeed push down on you when it comes to fortifying your network’s security during an upgrade. Wi-Fi 7 boasts significant security enhancements like improved encryption, authentication, and more. Yet it will still be vital to sync these across various controllers during the migration to prevent any vulnerabilities from souring your tune.

7. “Eye of the Tiger” – The future-proofing fight song

Embracing the spirit of “Eye of the Tiger” means bravely moving into the Wi-Fi 7 era with a well-planned migration strategy that ensures everyone stays connected. During migrations, addressing one floor or area at a time can help manage the different coverage characteristics between Wi-Fi 5/6 and Wi-Fi 7 efficiently. Today’s latest Wireless LAN Controllers are purpose-built to be able to support a mix of both old and new controllers. However, meshing the old with the new – like mixing legacy APs with the latest and greatest models – requires careful coordination to keep the harmony in your network ecosystem. That said, gaining a competitive advantage can take an expert assessment, one that guarantees you land on the right design or controller model choices. And there’s one place to find it.

Encore: The perfect harmony of SHI and our wireless partners

Think of SHI as the personalized top-notch production team that can bring your music to life. Together, SHI and our wireless solution partners offer a suite of services from infrastructure assessments to workshops. These partnerships are the secret to not just navigating the complexities of integration but hitting every note perfectly as your network evolves. With low latency, as well as better compatibility, efficiency, bandwidth, and security, Wi-Fi 7 is a can’t-miss update for organizations on the cutting edge. While a pre-ratified version is currently on the market, we can make sure you’re ready to transition when it’s officially ratified at the end of 2024.

Reach out to your account manager and schedule time with our experts today to learn more.

Dan Vargas is a Sr. Solutions Architect for the Cisco practice at SHI. Dan has a passion for technology and helping others experience and understand it. Over the past several decades, Dan has taught many Cisco classes and has spent time mentoring teammates while designing and deploying networking solutions for both small and very large clients. He also regularly presents at Cisco Live.

He has over 20 years of experience in Cisco Technologies and holds a Quin CCIE (Cisco System Internetworking Expert) in Routing/Switching, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and Wireless. He is one of less than 75 worldwide to hold five active CCIE certifications (5x CCIE #11317). Dan was chosen as one of 25 CCIEs worldwide to be a founding member of the CCIE Advisory Council where he contributed to upcoming certifications. He has also written test questions for Cisco’s CCNP-DC and IOT Manufacturing Specialization exam.

William Kuczmera is an accomplished network architect and engineer with over 20 years of enterprise networking experience. An exceptional communicator with a military background, he has designed and deployed networking solutions for nearly every market vertical imaginable (mines, banks, hotels, shipping ports, solar farms, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing plants, distribution facilities, RV parks, K-12, universities, hospitals, and retail to name a few).

Will brings a mix of technical knowledge plus an ability to break down complex topics and ideas into easily understood concepts. Helping clients more clearly understand and leverage technology to help them meet their business goals is what keeps Will excited about technology.