“As Brazil moves toward a more connected future, Wi-Fi 7 stands out as a key technology to drive innovation in various sectors, from Industry 4.0 and telemedicine to entertainment and education.”
In the context of technological evolution, internet connectivity is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, officially launched in January 2024. This new wireless network standard promises to redefine how people and businesses in Brazil and around the world access and use the internet, announcing a new era of enhanced connectivity and unprecedented features. Brazil, currently ranked 28th in the global broadband connections ranking with an average download speed of 166.42 Mbps, is already making significant strides in connectivity, with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, which are the precursors to Wi-Fi 7, being offered by many operators in the country, according to Abranet. The rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 7 is driven by its innovative technical specifications, which promise to revolutionize how we connect to the internet.
Globally, Wi-Fi 7 is already gaining traction in the market, with various companies launching or announcing compatible devices. Network equipment manufacturers like TP-Link, ASUS, and Netgear are already offering routers and mesh systems with the new technology. In the smartphone market, models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro, OnePlus 11 5G, iQOO 11 and 11 Pro, Motorola X40, and Red Magic 8 Pro and 8 Pro Plus are either already compatible or will receive updates for Wi-Fi 7. Other devices, such as the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro and models equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra), already have the necessary hardware and may receive updates to Wi-Fi 7 via software/firmware updates, depending only on the manufacturer and carrier. Qualcomm, the manufacturer of the Snapdragon chip, states that Wi-Fi 7 technology will be present in several devices with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 through software/firmware updates. It is important to note that Wi-Fi 7 will coexist with previous generations (Wi-Fi 6 and 6E), and older devices will still be able to connect to Wi-Fi 7 networks, although they may not take full advantage of the new technology’s features. Other manufacturers, such as Apple, are also expected to launch compatible smartphones soon.
Technical Advancements: What Wi-Fi 7 Brings to the Table
The technical specifications of Wi-Fi 7 are impressive, promising to deliver peak rates of over 40 Gbps, which represents a substantial increase compared to Wi-Fi 6E. This is made possible by advancements such as 320 MHz channel bandwidths, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and 4K-QAM modulation. These features will allow for higher throughput, lower latency, and greater network capacity, essential to support the growing number of internet users and connected devices in Brazil.
It is worth noting that the impact of Wi-Fi 7 goes far beyond simple speed improvements. The new technology also offers lower latency, greater network capacity, and better performance in congested environments—essential characteristics for supporting the increasing number of connected devices and high-performance applications. Multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial, are ready to benefit from the advanced features of Wi-Fi 7. For example, Qualcomm highlights that Wi-Fi 7 will enable 8K video streaming in homes, remote surgeries in healthcare, and production optimization in smart factories. Additionally, the high speed and low latency of Wi-Fi 7 are important factors for the development of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) applications, as they require high bandwidth and real-time response. In Industry 4.0, Wi-Fi 7 will enable the connection of a large number of IoT devices and real-time data transmission, driving automation and process optimization. From immersive technologies and telemedicine to IoT applications and Industry 4.0, the possible applications span various domains, promising to catalyze digital transformation across the country.
In terms of patent applications, Wi-Fi 7 opens up a wide range of opportunities. Different types of patents may be relevant to the technology, including hardware patents (antennas, chipsets), applications (services, devices), and related processes. Companies like Qualcomm, LG, Sony, InterDigital, MediaTek, Intel, NXP, Canon, and Huawei are at the forefront of this wave of innovation, indicating a competitive intellectual property landscape related to Wi-Fi 7. While the Wi-Fi Alliance has not yet released its official list of patents considered essential (SEPs – Standard Essential Patents) for Wi-Fi 7, patent analysis companies like Insight IP and GreyB have released preliminary lists of potentially essential patents for Wi-Fi 7, indicating growing interest and activity in this field. Brazil, with its growing technology market—it was the tenth largest in the world for Information and Communication Technology and Telecom production in 2023, responsible for 30% of all Latin America—presents a significant opportunity for companies to invest in patent applications to secure their innovations in this new standard.
Applications and Industry Impact: How Wi-Fi 7 Will Transform Sectors
Future expectations for Wi-Fi 7 in Brazil and the world are high. Wi-Fi 7 is initially expected to target corporate segments and high-end residences due to the high cost of compatible devices. However, as the technology becomes more widespread and accessible, it is expected to become the backbone of wireless connectivity, supporting a multitude of devices and applications. The deployment of Wi-Fi 7 will likely follow a similar trajectory to previous generations, with gradual adoption followed by widespread use as infrastructure and devices become more accessible.
The implementation of Wi-Fi 7 also opens up a range of opportunities for the technology market. The need to upgrade network equipment and devices to take full advantage of Wi-Fi 7’s features will drive demand for new products and services, generating a cycle of innovation and growth in the sector.
As is known, the development of technologies for Wi-Fi 7, such as new antennas, chipsets, or communication protocols like MLO technology, can be protected by patents, granting their holders the exclusive right to commercially exploit these inventions and obtain a return on investment in research and development. Thus, there is a strong argument for technology companies to consider filing patent applications related to Wi-Fi 7 technology in Brazil, positioning themselves favorably in a market rapidly embracing digital innovation.
The Future of Wi-Fi 7: Driving Innovation and Connectivity
In conclusion, the implementation of Wi-Fi 7 represents a milestone in the evolution of connectivity, with the potential to transform the digital experience of millions of Brazilians. As Brazil moves toward a more connected future, Wi-Fi 7 stands out as a key technology to drive innovation in various sectors, from Industry 4.0 and telemedicine to entertainment and education. Continuous research and development, combined with intellectual property protection, will enable the country to fully capitalize on the benefits of this new era of connectivity, fostering an ecosystem of innovation and technological development.