Image – MediaTek

PC World, citing a MediaTek document, reports that rather than increasing data transfer rates beyond the 23Gbps offered by Wi-Fi 7, the next generation, Wi-Fi 8—based on the IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability (UHR) specification—will focus on improving connection reliability and user experience, rather than focusing on theoretical throughput. 📶✨

Traditionally, new iterations of Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11 standards) have strived to maximize data transfer rates by increasing channel bandwidth and channel count, as well as introducing new modulation methods. With Wi-Fi 7, the maximum PHY rate reaches 23 Gbps, although no one expects to achieve speeds that high. Additionally, the reliability of high-speed Wi-Fi connections leaves a lot to be desired. Therefore, the upcoming iteration of Wi-Fi 8 will not increase the theoretical speed, but will instead incorporate new features designed to improve real-world performance and increase connection reliability. 🔧🌍

Broadly speaking, Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) is similar to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): it uses 2, 4, 5, and 6 GHz bands, the same modulation (4096 QAM), eight spatial streams, MU-MIMO, multiple OFDMAs, and a maximum channel bandwidth of 320 MHz. 📊

However, according to MediaTek’s document, the new specification introduces several key features focused on improving real-world performance and connection speeds: Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR), Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF), Dynamic Sub-Channel Operation (DSO), and an improved modulation coding scheme (MCS). Keep in mind that we’re talking about the standard as MediaTek sees it. Some features might be mandatory, while others might end up being optional. 🤔

The Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR) feature addresses variability in signal strength between nearby devices and distant access points in high-density scenarios such as offices. This capability allows APs to dynamically adjust and coordinate their power levels, depending on the distance between devices and other APs, to maintain adequate signal strength. Based on MediaTek’s preliminary testing, this could improve overall system efficiency by 15% to 25%. 📈

Additionally, Wi-Fi 8's Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF) improves on previous beamforming technology by coordinating signal direction between multiple access points. This technology allows the system to avoid sending signals to unnecessary areas and devices, reducing interference and concentrating the signal towards active devices. In tests conducted by MediaTek, Co-BF has improved performance by 20% to 50% in configurations involving mesh networks in public spaces and in some homes. 🏡📡

Dynamic Sub-Channel Operation (DSO) capability allows the network to allocate sub-channels based on device needs and capabilities, increasing efficiency and boosting throughput up to 80% (for advanced devices) while avoiding bottlenecks. ⚠️

Wi-Fi 8 will also integrate refined data rates with additional levels in the modulation coding scheme (MCS) lookup table, allowing devices to make smoother transitions in connection quality as they move across different areas. By adding finer gradations, such as a 16-QAM coding rate, Wi-Fi 8’s MCS promises to reduce sudden drops in data rates, thereby improving transmission stability and increasing bandwidth by between 5% and 30%, depending on the particular scenario. 📈🔄

The final Wi-Fi 8 standard is expected to be complete in 2028, with the first products based on the draft specification anticipated to arrive early that year, subject to regulatory approvals. 🗓️