Wi-Fi 7 has already achieved impressive speeds and minimal latency. But in an increasingly connected world where AI systems, autonomous applications and mobile devices need to communicate in real time, performance alone is no longer enough. Wi-Fi 8 brings with it a paradigm shift: away from theoretical peak values and towards ultra-reliable connectivity under real-life conditions. The new IEEE 802.11bn standard focuses on precisely this, laying the foundations for the next decade of wireless communication.
- Focus on reliability, low latency and stability even with high network density
- Improved performance in difficult signal conditions and in motion
- Seamless roaming for continuous connection across multiple access points
- Lower energy consumption and better coordination in dense networks
From speed to stability: what makes Wi-Fi 8 different
Until now, the rule for Wi-Fi standards was: faster is better. With Wi-Fi 8, the priority has changed. Instead of chasing maximum values such as 10 Gbit/s, the focus is on stable and consistent performance in everyday environments. In crowded stadiums, smart homes or mobile workplaces, Wi-Fi 8 ensures uninterrupted communication – even when there is movement or interference. The aim is to achieve the reliability of wired connections wirelessly.
The IEEE 802.11bn specification, on which Wi-Fi 8 is based, is driven by the so-called Ultra-High Reliability Initiative (UHR). Technologically, it is based on the successes of earlier standards, but goes much further. It promises at least 25% more throughput in poor signal conditions, 25% lower latency in the upper range of the distribution and 25% less packet loss – especially during transitions between access points.
Five technological innovations for everyday use
To achieve these goals, Wi-Fi 8 brings a range of new technologies that deliver improvements in five key areas:
1. seamless roaming:
Thanks to so-called single mobility domains, devices can move seamlessly between access points – without connection drops or noticeable delays. This makes mobile scenarios in companies or public spaces much more stable.
2. edge performance:
Until now, high quality often came to an end at the edge of Wi-Fi coverage. Wi-Fi 8 strengthens the connection precisely where the signal is weak – through optimized physical layers and new mechanisms for stabilization in the event of interference or distance to the access point.
3. multi-AP coordination:
Especially in densely populated environments such as apartment buildings or offices, signal overlap leads to performance losses. Wi-Fi 8 enables access points to cooperate with each other and share resources efficiently – for a consistently high user experience.
4. coexistence of multiple wireless technologies:
Devices with multiple wireless modules (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth, UWB) sometimes cause mutual interference. Wi-Fi 8 improves the interaction of these modules to enable smooth simultaneous use – especially with shared antennas.
5. energy efficiency:
New power-saving protocols extend the battery life of mobile devices. Permanently installed access points also benefit from reduced energy consumption – an important step in terms of sustainability and continuous operation.
Fields of application with a future
Wi-Fi 8 can be used in a wide range of applications – but there are three environments in particular:
Corporate networks:
In smart factories, hospitals or logistics centers, Wi-Fi is becoming a critical infrastructure. Wi-Fi 8 enables stable communication for mobile robots, drones or autonomous vehicles – with the reliability of wired systems but the flexibility of wireless networks.
At home:
In the smart home, AI systems are taking on more and more tasks – from security and health to entertainment. Wi-Fi 8 guarantees stable connections for wearables, cameras or smart displays – even in complex living environments with many devices and high requirements.
Public spaces:
In airports, stadiums or train stations, Wi-Fi 8 enables seamless connectivity even when moving through large areas. Real-time services such as AR navigation, live streams or translations benefit from the new Wi-Fi generation, as do security-relevant systems.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 8 will be more than a simple successor to previous standards – it marks the transition from fast to smart wireless communication. The new IEEE 802.11bn standard focuses on reliability, stability and mobility and is therefore geared towards the requirements of AI, automation and high device density. The first products with Wi-Fi 8 are expected from 2026 at the earliest, with widespread use likely to be established from 2028. However, it is already clear that Wi-Fi 8 will form the backbone of future connectivity – not only faster, but above all better.
Source: Qualcomm
