The evolution of Wi-Fi standards has been constant, always seeking to improve the speed and efficiency of wireless connections. However, Wi-Fi 8, technically known as IEEE 802.11bn, introduces a shift in focus by prioritizing reliability over speed. This new standard, currently in development, is expected to be available in 2028.
Key Features of Wi-Fi 8
Unlike its predecessors, Wi-Fi 8 does not focus on increasing data transmission speeds. Instead, it implements technologies aimed at improving the stability and consistency of connections. Among the most relevant innovations are:
- Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR): This technique allows access points (APs) to coordinate transmission power to minimize interference, thereby optimizing the use of available spectrum.
- Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF): It enables APs to synchronize and direct signals more efficiently, reducing interference and improving connection quality, especially in environments with high device density.
- Dynamic Sub-Channel Operation: Allows routers to detect devices capable of supporting higher speeds and dynamically adjust transmission channels to optimize performance.
Comparison of Wi-Fi Versions
Below is a comparative table of the main features of the latest Wi-Fi versions:
| Standard | Commercial Name | Year Introduced | Frequency Bands | Theoretical Maximum Speed | Modulation | MIMO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 5 | 2014 | 5 GHz | 3.5 Gbps | 256-QAM | 4×4 |
| 802.11ax | Wi-Fi 6 | 2019 | 2.4/5 GHz | 9.6 Gbps | 1024-QAM | 8×8 |
| 802.11ax | Wi-Fi 6E | 2020 | 2.4/5/6 GHz | 9.6 Gbps | 1024-QAM | 8×8 |
| 802.11be | Wi-Fi 7 | 2024 (projected) | 2.4/5/6 GHz | 30 Gbps | 4096-QAM | 16×16 |
| 802.11bn | Wi-Fi 8 | 2028 (projected) | 2.4/5/6 GHz, mmWave | 100 Gbps | 8192-QAM | 16×16 |
Source: Adapted from information available at Wikiversus.
Future Outlook and Development
The development of Wi-Fi 8 is in its early stages, with a final specification expected by September 2028. This standard aims to address the needs of emerging applications that require high reliability and low latency, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and holographic communications. Additionally, Wi-Fi 8 is anticipated to integrate millimeter-wave (mmWave) technologies to offer higher speeds and capacity in high-density device environments.
Although several years remain until its implementation, Wi-Fi 8 represents a significant advancement in wireless connectivity, focusing on stability and efficiency to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.