MSI boasts superior Wi-Fi 7 capabilities on X870 motherboards, with a 320 MHz channel speed, surpassing competitors restricted to a 160 MHz channel.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, Wi-Fi 7, the latest iteration of wireless connectivity, is making waves with its potential to revolutionise the way we connect. One key feature that sets Wi-Fi 7 apart is its support for 320 MHz channels, doubling the bandwidth available over 160 MHz channels in Wi-Fi 6E, promising significantly higher throughput speeds and multi-gigabit per second rates under optimal conditions.
The market for 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 is gradually expanding, with several companies offering products that leverage this technology. EnGenius, for instance, recently announced the ECW520 Wi-Fi 7 access point, which supports 320 MHz and 240 MHz channel widths, making it an affordable option for small and medium businesses. Firewalla, on the other hand, offers the AP7, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 access point featuring 320 MHz channels on the 6 GHz band, aimed at smart home users who prioritise security alongside Wi-Fi 7 benefits.
Other notable players in the Wi-Fi 7 ecosystem include Amazon, NETGEAR, and TP-Link, all of which have started releasing Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure products, albeit with varying details on channel widths.
While the infrastructure support is growing, client devices such as laptops, smartphones, and IoT gadgets capable of leveraging 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 features are still emerging. This means that while the technology is poised to deliver a step-change in wireless throughput and latency, consumer uptake is expected to ramp up in the near future.
The Wi-Fi Alliance began issuing official Wi-Fi 7 certifications a little over a year ago, so the ecosystem is still in a nascent phase with device adoption gradually increasing. However, the potential benefits of 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 are undeniable. Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems supporting 320 MHz channels on the 6 GHz band are being marketed as capable of delivering improved speed and network efficiency, particularly benefiting devices in close proximity with clear line of sight to the node.
In conclusion, 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 support is available now in several access points and mesh systems, with key providers including EnGenius, Firewalla, Amazon, NETGEAR, and TP-Link. The technology is positioned to deliver a step-change in wireless throughput and latency, especially over the 6 GHz band. Market adoption is growing but still in early stages, with mainstream client device support gradually catching up. As the technology matures and becomes more mainstream, we can expect to see even more impressive advancements in wireless connectivity.
Data-and-cloud-computing companies are capitalizing on the growing Wi-Fi 7 technology by developing gadgets that leverage the 320 MHz channel support. For instance, EnGenius offers the ECW520 Wi-Fi 7 access point, while Firewalla provides the AP7, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 access point that prioritizes security. As more infrastructure products are released by companies like Amazon, NETGEAR, and TP-Link, the need for compatible gadgets becomes increasingly important to take full advantage of Wi-Fi 7 benefits.
