Wi-Fi 8 Makes an Unplanned Appearance at CES Amid Limited Wi-Fi 7 Adoption

This year’s CES showcased the unexpected debut of Wi-Fi 8 routers and chips, stirring buzz in an industry still in the adoption phase of Wi-Fi 7. These new advancements might hit the market this year, despite Wi-Fi 7's recent introduction. If you’re amongst those yet to upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 router, pausing that purchase could be a wise move.

Wi-Fi 8 steps away from merely enhancing speed, focusing instead on ensuring stronger and more reliable connectivity. Matching Wi-Fi 7 in terms of speed and data capacity, Wi-Fi 8 surpasses it with superior power efficiency, greater throughput, and enhanced device-to-device communication.

Another key improvement is its ability to maintain solid connections, even as devices are moved or taken further from the router. This means users can enjoy smoother streaming, reduced buffering, and stable gaming experiences.

If the announcements at CES are an accurate forecast, we’ll get to experience Wi-Fi 8 first-hand before the year concludes.

Innovations in Router Design

Asus has revealed a groundbreaking concept for a Wi-Fi 8 router, discarding traditional antennas for a sleek, polyhedral structure. Resembling a hollow 20-sided die, this innovative design by Asus is poised to deliver equivalent data speeds as Wi-Fi 7 while boasting enhanced data handling and lower latency.

Despite initial hiccups, such as a prototype breaking at CES, Asus remains firm in its vision, preparing to launch these futuristic routers soon.

Chipset Developments in Wi-Fi 8

Broadcom has rolled out new components, including the BCM4918 APU and two dual-band radios, which are set to power residential and service provider Wi-Fi 8 gateways. Similarly, MediaTek's Filogic 8000 will propel a variety of devices from smartphones to smart TVs and home automation systems, with initial launches anticipated within the year.

However, the complete Wi-Fi 8 standard is yet to be cemented, as the official IEEE 802.11bn specification awaits finalization. The standard likely won’t be officially ratified until at least 2028, yet the first wave of Wi-Fi 8 devices will be based on its preliminary drafts, with firmware updates potentially required later.