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What happens when the wifi standard changes dramatically?

  • October 15, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 106 views

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I know nothing is truly “future proof”. But thought about how my dad’s old speakers were still usable 50 years later because they shared a common standard wiring and plugs. 
 

what happens to a Sonos speaker once we get to wifi7? Or WiFi stand v10 and beyond?

I’m assuming there’s some degree of firmware updates. But is there a possibility sooner rather than later the hardware/wireless radios might become unusable with a new standard?

Best answer by Stanley_4

Looks like WiFi B and G are still supported, WEP is gone though and WPA is the minimum.

WPA is about a 2003 standard while WiFi B is about 2007.

I wouldn't worry much.

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/supported-wifi-modes-and-security-standards-for-sonos-products

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3 replies

Airgetlam
  • October 15, 2024

So far, all ‘new’ WiFi standards have been backwards compatible, probably due to the preponderance of existing items that use that format. 


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  • Prodigy I
  • October 15, 2024

Realistically, WiFi standards aren’t changing on a particularly fast timetable. WiFi 7 should lock in standards this year. The next version may be in 2028, but there was an 8 year run going from 5-6.

 

The truth is that you will have components fail or other technical constraints come into play long before the wireless radios.

 

I think we also have to be realistic that these are very complex technical devices that include speakers. They aren’t going to have the live spans of some older speakers.


Stanley_4
  • Lead Maestro
  • Answer
  • October 15, 2024

Looks like WiFi B and G are still supported, WEP is gone though and WPA is the minimum.

WPA is about a 2003 standard while WiFi B is about 2007.

I wouldn't worry much.

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/supported-wifi-modes-and-security-standards-for-sonos-products