If Both Routers Are Dual-Band, Is WiFi 7 Really Better Than WiFi 6?
WiFi 7, the latest leap in wireless technology, delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability, advancing far beyond WiFi 6 to meet the demands of today’s connected world.
To meet market demand, some brands now offer budget-friendly dual-band models like TP-Link’s Archer BE400. And while it lacks the 6 GHz band, it still reaches speeds up to 6.5 Gbps.
Yet, many WiFi 6 routers can match this performance, which begs the question: with identical speed specs, is WiFi 7 truly the better choice?
The Benefits of WiFi 7
To answer this, let's delve into the key advantages that WiFi 7 offers, even when compared to WiFi 6 routers with similar speed ratings.
1. Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Faster, More Stable, Lower Latency
WiFi 7 introduces Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows simultaneous data transmission across both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This is like opening a "dual lane" for your network connection, ensuring smoother performance in high-density or complex environments. With MLO, your devices can seamlessly switch between bands to avoid congestion, resulting in lower latency and more stable connections.
In homes or offices where multiple devices are connected, MLO technology significantly improves network efficiency by allocating the right amount of bandwidth to each device.
2. 4K-QAM: Packs 120% Data for Higher Speeds
WiFi 7 upgrades the modulation technology from 1K-QAM in WiFi 6 to 4K-QAM, which quadruples the amount of data transmitted in the same timeframe.
Now, you can enjoy faster upload and download speeds, clearer video streaming, and smoother cloud storage synchronization—all without waiting. For users who rely on fast and reliable connections, this is a game-changer.
3. Multi-RUs: Makes Full Use of Every Resource
With WiFi 6, each user can only send or receive frames on an assigned resource unit (RU), which significantly limits the flexibility of spectrum resource scheduling. To solve this problem and further enhance spectral efficiency, WiFi 7 allows multiple RUs to be assigned to a single user and can combine RUs for increased transmission efficiency.
This ensures that each device gets the exact amount of bandwidth it needs, maximizing network efficiency and minimizing wasted resources. Whether you're streaming, downloading, or browsing, Multi-RUs ensures your network runs smoothly, even with multiple devices connected.
Recommended Models
For those seeking the best WiFi 7 performance at the right price, TP-Link's Archer BE230 and Archer BE400 are standout choices, each catering to different user needs.
TP-Link Archer BE230: The Best-Seller
With a dual-band WiFi 7 speed of up to 3.6 Gbps, Archer BE230 is a versatile and cost-effective option. Its external antennas offer customizable signal strength, ensuring strong coverage even in challenging environments. Equipped with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, USB 3.0 for expanded functionality, and EasyMesh and VPN support, this router delivers reliable performance for everyday use.
TP-Link Archer BE400: For Maximum Performance
For users demanding higher speeds, Archer BE400 offers a dual-band WiFi 7 speed of up to 6.5 Gbps. Featuring six external antennas for enhanced coverage and signal strength, it supports all of BE230’s features while delivering superior performance for high-bandwidth tasks like 8K streaming or large file transfers.
Ready to upgrade your wireless network? Experience the future of WiFi firsthand at IFA 2025. Visit Booth 190, Hall 5.2, to see Archer BE230 and BE400 in action and discover how they can power a faster, more connected tomorrow.
