The way we work, play, and stream at home is changing fast, and so is the technology powering it.
Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the newest wireless standard built to meet the demands of modern households.
Whether you’re working from home, streaming in 4K, or gaming online, Wi-Fi 7 has something to offer.
What is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of wireless internet technology, following Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. It’s designed to handle the growing number of connected devices in our homes while delivering faster speeds and greater stability.
By using wider bandwidths and allowing devices to connect across multiple frequency bands at once, it significantly improves performance in busy environments. This means smoother video calls, quicker downloads, and better gaming, even when your whole household is online.
While its maximum theoretical speed reaches up to 46 Gbps, real-world performance will depend on your devices and internet plan. Wi-Fi 7 is also backwards-compatible, so your older tech can still connect without issue.
Here’s how Wi-Fi 7 can help improve your streaming, gaming and work-from-home experience.
Streaming without buffering
Wi-Fi 7 unlocks smoother and sharper streaming, especially in 4K or 8K.
- Wider channels let your smart TV pull in higher-quality streams without buffering
- Better stability in busy networks means you can binge while others game or work
- Future-ready for ultra-HD content, VR, and AR streaming as more services adopt them
According to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence (2025), households using Wi-Fi 7 routers experienced up to 33% faster average streaming speeds compared to Wi-Fi 6.
Online gaming with zero lag
Gamers know the pain of a lag spike during a crucial moment. Wi-Fi 7 is built to avoid that.
- Ultra-low latency helps improve reaction time
- MLO support allows games to maintain strong connections even with fluctuating signals
- More reliable multiplayer when many devices are active (think family movie night plus your game tournament)
If you’re a serious gamer or even a casual player, switching to a Wi-Fi 7 router like the Eero Max 7 can provide an edge, especially when paired with a fast NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan.
Better work-from-home experience
For remote workers, Wi-Fi 7 offers several practical benefits:
- Crystal-clear video calls even with multiple users online
- Faster file uploads for designers, photographers, and cloud-based teams
- Stronger signal across your home with a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, reducing dropouts in upstairs studies or converted garages
Wi-Fi 7 also plays well with smart home setups. From smart locks and security cameras to lighting controls, it handles multiple device connections and keeps them stable.
What you need to upgrade
To get started with Wi-Fi 7, you’ll need:
- A Wi-Fi 7 compatible router or mesh system (e.g. eero Max 7 or TP-Link Deco BE85)
- A fast NBN® plan. NBN 100 is the minimum, but NBN 500 or NBN 1000 is ideal
- Compatible devices such as newer laptops and smartphones (from 2024 onwards)
You’ll still see benefits even if some devices are on older Wi-Fi versions, thanks to better coverage and smarter traffic handling.
Tips for getting the most out of Wi-Fi 7
- Check your NBN speed tier. Faster Wi-Fi needs a faster internet plan to shine.
- Place mesh units strategically. Position them in key rooms or workspaces.
- Update your devices. Look for Wi-Fi 7 support in 2024–2026 models.
- Use Ethernet where needed. For heavy streaming or gaming setups, wired connections still rule for stability.
- Wi-Fi 7 can improve how your home runs. Whether you’re editing large files, playing competitive games, streaming in tandem with other people or running a work Zoom call during peak hours, this technology keeps you connected without frustration.
Access to faster NBN tiers is improving across Australia, particularly in metro areas. So now might be the perfect time to upgrade both your plan and your router to future-proof your digital life.
Key takeaways
- Wi-Fi 7 delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
- Ideal for homes with many devices, Wi-Fi 7 supports stable, high-speed connections across all rooms.
- Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 future-proofs your home network and enhances productivity for home-based businesses.
Author: Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital
