Wi-Fi 8 details: focus on reliability over speed

Qualcomm has unveiled the first details about Wi-Fi 8, set to become the next evolution in wireless connectivity. Rather than focusing primarily on speed increases, the emphasis is on ultra-high reliability. The standard aims to provide stable connections even in congested environments, amid strong interference, and during high mobility, surpassing traditional Wi-Fi in resilience and latency.

Wi-Fi 8 will be based on IEEE 802.11bn, which introduces enhanced signal processing and error correction methods. The new standard expands MIMO capabilities, makes data transmission more flexible through additional modulation modes, and improves range. This is particularly important for devices at the edge of the network, such as sensors, cameras, and mobile robots.

At the network management level, Wi-Fi 8 implements a unified mobile domain concept. This allows devices to move between access points without connection drops or packet loss. For video calls, streaming, AR scenarios, and operations in large public spaces, this detail matters because it addresses the delays often caused by switching between routers.

Wi-Fi 8 also improves spectrum efficiency and coordination between access points, enabling routers to work together and reduce mutual interference. Certification for the standard is expected in January 2028. Qualcomm already describes Wi-Fi 8 as the generation that will bring wireless networks as close as possible to the stability of wired connections.