Why You Should Be Thinking About Wi-Fi 7 in Your Next Technology Refresh

When it comes to planning a technology refresh, Wi-Fi is often overlooked — especially if things seem to be “working fine.” But with the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, that mindset could mean missing out on major performance, efficiency, and security gains.

Wi-Fi 7 isn’t just a speed bump. It’s a leap forward — and it’s worth paying attention to, even if a full upgrade isn’t on your immediate roadmap. Netformx helps Cisco partners and IT teams with their tooling to assess where they are today, and more importantly, spot opportunities to modernize where it makes the most impact.

What’s the Big Deal with Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 brings serious upgrades over previous generations, including:

• Faster throughput (up to 46 Gbps theoretical max)
• Lower latency, great for real-time apps like voice, video, and AR/VR
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for more efficient spectrum use
• Improved reliability in dense environments

For businesses, this means better performance for hybrid work, higher density in modern office spaces, and a more future-proof wireless backbone for cloud-based and edge applications.

Why It Belongs in a Tech Refresh Conversation

Technology refreshes are a prime opportunity to take stock of network infrastructures. While routers and switches usually get most of the attention, Wi-Fi is now just as critical — especially in environments where mobility, BYOD, and seamless collaboration are expected.

Here’s where a Wi-Fi 7 discussion fits in:

• Aging infrastructure: Many orgs are still running Wi-Fi 5 (or older), which limits newer device capabilities and consumes more power.
• New use cases: Think real-time collaboration tools, location-based services, or IoT expansions — all of which benefit from Wi-Fi 7.
• Security and compliance: Older access points may lack modern encryption and visibility features.
• Energy efficiency: Wi-Fi 7 is designed to be smarter about when and how radios transmit, reducing power consumption — an underrated but growing concern in larger deployments.

Cisco’s Take: Services Opportunities Around Wi-Fi 7

Cisco recently published a great read on this topic: “Navigating the Future of Connectivity: Services Opportunities around Cisco’s WiFi 7”. They explore not just the technical advantages, but also the services opportunities for partners to lead with wireless modernization.

It’s a helpful companion read — especially if you’re in a planning or strategy role.

How We Can Help: Assessment with Insight

Through our network assessment tool, Netformx AssetXpert, and hands on expertise we can help you:

• Inventory a networks current wireless landscape
• Identify aging or underperforming APs
• Enrich your data with End-of-Life, contract, and replacement path insights

In Summary

Wi-Fi 7 isn’t just “next-gen Wi-Fi.” It’s a key part of modernizing your customers or internal network for what’s coming next — from hybrid work to immersive apps to higher security demands. Including it in your tech refresh assessment ensures the network is not just catching up — but getting ahead.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help you with the tooling you need to assess the network environment and uncover the opportunities Wi-Fi 7 brings — all while aligning your customer with broader refresh or transformation goals.

This gives you a clear view of where Wi-Fi 7 could make a meaningful difference — whether you’re planning a full refresh, a phased upgrade, or just want to stay ahead of the curve.

Let’s start that conversation. Contact sales@netformx.com or your account manager.

Why is Wi-Fi 7 Important?