Wi-Fi 8 enters testing phase as TP-Link demonstrates prototype connection

Wi-Fi 8

China’s networking equipment maker TP-Link has made advancements towards the next generation of connectivity, as the company has successfully tested the next-generation Wi-Fi 8 wireless technology. The company has announced this week that it has successfully tested an early prototype of Wi-Fi 8 hardware, in partnership with other tech firms, including US-based chip maker Qualcomm.

Wi-Fi 8 tipped to launch soon: Expected features

According to TP-Link, the trial successfully verified Wi-Fi 8’s core signals and data transfer speeds. The test confirmed the beacon and data transfer capabilities of Wi-Fi 8, proving its viability for future consumer products. Further, the Wi-Fi 8 wireless tool aims to make connections much more stable and consistent, similar to the reliability of wired networks.

Also known as IEEE 802.11bn, the new Wi-Fi 8 standard will primarily focus on reliability by improving the effective throughput and aims to reduce network latency. According to Qualcomm, one of the companies involved in developing the standard, Wi-Fi 8 is designed to handle demanding modern uses like AI-powered systems, robotics, industrial automation, and other critical areas.

Qualcomm has also confirmed that the new standard promises several key improvements over Wi-Fi 7, which include around 25% faster speeds and lower latency even in weak signal areas, lower dropped connections, and enhancements in energy efficiency and peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. This prototype was developed through a joint industry partnership and is expected to be available after the final approval by the IEEE 802.11 Working Group, which is scheduled for March 2028.