The link below from Popular Mechanics is an interesting read on the Wi-Fi 8 standard that won’t be sanctioned until 2028! So why read about it now?
It dispels speculation about what is generally thought about a new Wi-Fi standard; which may surprise you. The article also gives insight on what you may want to consider about your current network hardware; as to where you should be, if not already there.
Note: There are an abundance of advertisements; so be forewarned.
This has been the case with all WiFi updates. “New Improved” is announced and a few expensive access points are available before the standard is set. They often need replacement after the standard is set because issues are discovered. At present WiFi6 is mainstream and we are barely into WiFi7. If your WiFi4 or WiFi5 is struggling, moving to WiFi6 is usually a big improvement and WiFi7 is even better. However, don’t assume that your device supports WiFi7. Regardless, WiFi7 is better able to punch through interference.
Currently, most of my devices and a single access point support WiFi6. I recently moved in an urban environment and my scanner can see over 100 access points. So far things have been flawless, I haven’t been able to prove that there are any interference issues. With WiFi5 I likely would want to use multiple access points for good coverage of my area.
Here are the WiFi standards supported by SONOS.
Note that Sonos works just fine on bandwidth supplied by lower versions. Upgrading speed should not be a concern (and the same applies to wired CAT-X connections). There just isn’t that much information being transmitted for music streaming…especially if you stream from a service.
I looked at my client devices a long while back and only a couple did Wi-Fi 6, nothing I had did 7 so unless I missed something in that article I don't see 8 bringing me anything. Maybe on my newer phone or the Ultra and Eras?
Looking at this Sonos does recommend Wi-Fi 6, I'll have to go back and look at my system logs to see if my newer Sonos are using it and the connection details.
https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/recommended-settings-for-using-sonos-on-wireless-networks
This does seem to say the newer devices do Wi-Fi 6 so I may need to do some tweaking.
Sonos does seem to do better on less congested channels, ones with fewer dropped packets, so maybe that bit of Wi-Fi 8 would help if it also improves channel utilization for older products.
Interesting stuff, thanks for sharing it.
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