Why Wi-Fi 7 is crucial for enterprise AI

MLO boosts AI performance

Wi-Fi 7's use of MLO enables devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously, which decongests crowded spectrum. When multiple frequency bands are available, the network can seamlessly send data without interruption.

High-speed connectivity is crucial for AI. Efficient edge deployments depend on Wi-Fi 7's near-instantaneous MLO responses and minimal signal interference. Wi-Fi 7 supports free-flowing, simultaneous data transmission across the 2.4, 5 and 6 gigahertz bands, so the network experiences fewer interruptions, reducing latency.

In addition, because most devices aren't compatible with Wi-Fi 7, the 6 GHz band is nearly competition-free, typically used only by Wi-Fi 7 devices and high-speed applications, such as those powered by AI. 

Wi-Fi 7 use cases continue to expand in industries that use AI, such as finance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. MLO enables high speeds, reduces latency and provides the spectrum bands necessary to operate AI applications in these fields.

Greater multi-user capacity for AI

Wi-Fi 7 also offers improved multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) capabilities for AI-enabled devices. MU-MIMO enables wireless routers to use different multiplexing streams within a single frequency for simultaneous data transmission.

Augmented spatial streams increase overall data capacity within existing frequencies to improve real-time model training and inferencing, and enhance overall edge connectivity. Reduced latencies and greater network throughput are ideal for intelligent urban infrastructure, industrial IoT and smart manufacturing.

Companies in the industrial sector increasingly use AI applications to enhance operations and improve quality control. In these scenarios, the wide-spectrum usage translates to the simultaneous data transmissions that are critical for robotics, AI-driven asset management and the numerous machine sensors that transmit data. These represent the levels and types of wireless performance driving Industry 4.0 today.

Wi-Fi 7 implementation strategies

To adequately support AI workloads and applications with Wi-Fi 7, network leaders must consider the following Wi-Fi 7 implementation strategies:

• Reassess network designs.
• Plan for capacity requirements.
• Integrate with existing network infrastructure.

Reassess network design

Site surveys can provide a comprehensive understanding of the current network environment and reveal potential issues before implementation. Site managers should be ready to analyze the physical layout and obstacles that could interfere with Wi-Fi signals.

A complete site survey can help determine optimal access point (AP) placement by also identifying other potential sources of signal-level interference, such as additional wireless networks, appliances and electronic devices.

Plan for capacity requirements

Capacity planning offers a crucial benchmark. While Wi-Fi 7 is appropriate for high-density environments, knowing the user count will help avoid bottlenecks and service delivery latencies and determine the number of devices that can simultaneously connect to the network.

AP density helps determine how many APs an organization needs -- and where they should be placed -- to accommodate the increase in connected devices. Evaluating the types of applications that will run on the network, as well as their bandwidth requirements, helps administrators determine network readiness in advance.

While Wi-Fi 7’s higher speeds and reduced latencies make it suitable for demanding applications, network administrators require advanced knowledge to deploy MLO and 320-megahertz channels properly.

Integrate with existing network infrastructure

Although Wi-Fi 7 is designed to work with modern network infrastructure, network leaders should assess whether their current hardware supports Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. For example, teams should ensure current switchgear can handle the increased data speeds and capacity offered by Wi-Fi 7 and be prepared to upgrade to compatible hardware if necessary.

Network teams should also determine the data transfer rate between APs to prevent bottlenecks and ensure sufficient bandwidth can handle the increased data traffic from Wi-Fi 7 devices.         

Kerry Doyle writes about technology for a variety of publications and platforms. His current focus is on issues relevant to IT and enterprise leaders across a range of topics, from nanotech and cloud to distributed services and AI.