Future trends: WiFi 6 and the next generation of apps

The development of [WiFi](/performance/system integration) technology is progressing rapidly. With WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and the WiFi 7 (802.11be) already appearing on the horizon, new possibilities for app developers and [IoT](/performance/system integration) applications are opened. Higher speeds, lower latency and improved efficiency promise a new era of connected applications.

This article gives an outlook on the future of WiFi technology and shows what impact these developments will have on app development.

WiFi change: From WiFi 5 to WiFi 7

WiFi 5

3,5 Gbit/s

802.11ac

WiFi 6

9.6 Gbit/s

802.11ax

WiFi 7

46 Gbit/s

802.1.

The main innovations of WiFi 6

Feature Description Advantage for apps

OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access More efficient use in many devices

MU-MIMO Multi-user Multiple Input Multiple Output Simultaneous communication with multiple devices

Target Wake Time Planned growth times for devices Longer battery life for IoT devices

**BSS Coloring * * Reduction of interference Better performance in dense environments

1024-QAM Higher modulation stage 25% more throughput

Effects on App Development

The new WiFi standards open up possibilities for applications that were not possible or only limited with previous technologies.

New applications:

• AR/VR: Low latency transmission for immersive experiences

• 8K Video Streaming: Local Streaming in High Quality

• Massive IoT: hundreds of devices on a network

• Industrial automation: Real-time control via WiFi

• Cloud Gaming: Play without noticeable delay

View into the future: WiFi 7 and beyond

WiFi 7 (802.11be) - What's coming?

• Theoretical speed up to 46 Gbit/s

• 320 MHz channel width

• Multi-Link operation (MLO)

• 4096-QAM modulation

• Latin under 1 ms

Recommendations for future-proof app development

Recommendation Reasons

**Reverse compatibility * * Not all users have WiFi 6 devices

**Adaptive quality * * Adaptation to available bandwidth

Energy efficiency ** Use Target Wake Time wherever possible

**Scalable architecture * * Preparation for more devices and data

Conclusion: The future is connected

WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 will fundamentally change the landscape of connected applications. For app developers, this means new opportunities, but also the need to continuously develop and make applications sustainable.

As your partner for WiFi app development, we remain at the heart of time and use the latest technologies for your projects.

Ready for the future?

Let us develop future-proof WiFi apps together. Start the future project

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**Find out our [system integration](/services/system integration) and how we can support your company.

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