Wi-Fi 7, or IEEE 802.11be, is set to revolutionise wireless connectivity with ultra-fast speeds, lower latency, and improved efficiency. Designed to operate across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the newly available 6GHz frequency bands, it promises significant improvements in network performance. For the physical security sector, these advancements could transform how surveillance, alarms, and remote monitoring systems function. However, as with any emerging technology, the transition will require careful planning and infrastructure upgrades to fully harness its potential.
Strengthening Security Networks with Speed and Stability
With Wi-Fi 7’s expanded bandwidth and the introduction of Multi-Link Operation (MLO), security systems will benefit from faster data transmission and more reliable connections. Surveillance cameras, for instance, will be able to stream high-definition footage with reduced buffering and lag. This is particularly important for remote monitoring applications, where real-time access to video feeds and alarm notifications is critical.
In a blog on its website, North’s Product Manager, Tom Batchelor explains that “by leveraging ultra-wide channels combined with multi-gigabit backhaul, [Wi-Fi 7] provides low latency, enhanced data transmission speeds and improved reliability.” These improvements could enable faster response times in security operations, ensuring that alarms and alerts reach monitoring centres without delay.
The introduction of the 6GHz band adds another layer of efficiency, offering wider channels of up to 320MHz, which allow for higher data throughput. However, the challenge lies in signal propagation. Higher frequencies struggle to penetrate walls and other obstacles, potentially leading to coverage gaps in large facilities or complex environments. This makes it essential for security integrators to conduct comprehensive site surveys to determine the best placement of access points and ensure uninterrupted coverage.
The Infrastructure Challenge: Compatibility and Upgrades
As promising as Wi-Fi 7 sounds, integrating it into existing security networks will not be without challenges. The new standard is not fully backwards compatible with older Wi-Fi hardware, meaning many current security devices will not be able to take advantage of its features. Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 may require new access points, routers, and network switches that support multi-gigabit speeds. Batchelor points out that “your network infrastructure—routers, switches, and structured cabling—will all need to support multi-gigabit ports (2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, or 10Gbps), especially when connecting multiple Wi-Fi 7 access points.” This means organisations will need to assess their existing setups and invest in infrastructure that can handle the increased bandwidth demands.
Power delivery is another consideration. Many security systems rely on Power over Ethernet (PoE) to minimise cabling and simplify installation. Wi-Fi 7 access points require PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) to operate efficiently, which supports up to 60W or 100W per port. Older network infrastructure may not be equipped for this power requirement, adding another layer of complexity to the upgrade process. Additionally, to support the higher data rates of Wi-Fi 7, traditional Cat5e or Cat6 cabling may no longer be sufficient. Instead, higher-grade cables such as Cat6a, Cat7, or even Cat8 will be necessary to enable speeds of 10Gbps or more.
Security and the Road Ahead
As security systems become increasingly interconnected, the question of data protection remains paramount. Wi-Fi 7’s use of multiple frequency bands and simultaneous connections introduces new security considerations. Managing encryption across multiple channels could create vulnerabilities if not properly implemented. Ensuring that all devices in a security network support WPA3 encryption—or its future iterations—will be critical in preventing unauthorised access and data breaches.
Despite these challenges, Wi-Fi 7 represents a major step forward for security technology. While widespread adoption will take time, organisations that start planning now can position themselves to take full advantage of its benefits. By addressing infrastructure requirements, device compatibility, and network security, businesses can ensure that they are ready to integrate Wi-Fi 7 into their security ecosystems when the time is right. The potential for ultra-fast, reliable, and scalable security networks is within reach—it’s just a matter of preparing for the transition.