TP-Link has announced the successful testing of its first Wi-Fi 8 prototype equipment, taking a step towards the next generation of wireless technology, even though Wi-Fi 7 is only just beginning to spread to the market.
The company has tested the 802.11bn beacon and data transmission capabilities, confirming its suitability for future consumer products. The prototype was created in partnership with other industry players. The first Wi-Fi 8-enabled devices are expected to appear before the standard is officially approved, which the IEEE predicts will happen in 2028.
According to Qualcomm, the new standard is not focused on record speeds, but seeks to ensure stability and reliability of the connection. Like Wi-Fi 7, it will operate in the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands, have a channel width of up to 320 MHz and a theoretical transfer rate of up to 23 Gbps. At the same time, the key emphasis is not on numbers, but on real network performance.
"Wi-Fi 8 is being defined to prioritize reliable performance in challenging real-world conditions," Qualcomm said.
Wi-Fi 8 should improve connectivity in challenging environments, such as weak signals or high-volume simultaneous connections. This will allow it to better serve multiple devices and reduce latency, even when you're far from your router or on the move. This is especially important for video conferencing, online gaming, and streaming video, where lag and stuttering can have a significant impact on the user experience.