Multi-AP coordination
Neighbouring access points coordinate who transmits when and in which direction, using coordinated spatial reuse, coordinated beamforming and coordinated TDMA. This reduces interference in dense deployments.
Coming soon
Wi-Fi 8 · IEEE 802.11bn · Ultra High Reliability
Wi-Fi 8 is about reliability, not just speed
Wi-Fi 8, the IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability (UHR) standard, is the next generation after Wi-Fi 7. Instead of chasing higher peak speeds, it focuses on consistent throughput, lower latency and fewer dropped packets, even in crowded and mobile environments. Navijin is developing Wi-Fi 8 access points and will announce them as the standard and certification mature.
- 802.11bn
- IEEE task group TGbn
- ~25%
- Draft targets for throughput, latency and loss gains
- Multi-AP
- Coordinated access points
- 2028
- Expected standard completion
What is new
Key Wi-Fi 8 technologies in the 802.11bn draft
Wi-Fi 8 keeps Wi-Fi 7's 320 MHz channels and 4096-QAM, and adds coordination and reliability features on top.
Seamless roaming
A new mobility approach lets devices move between access points without a full re-association, cutting roaming interruptions for voice, video and robots.
Lower worst-case latency
Draft targets include about 25% lower 95th-percentile latency, which matters for real-time collaboration, industrial control and XR.
Fewer lost packets
Draft targets include about 25% fewer lost packets, including during roaming, for more predictable performance.
Better use of wide channels
Dynamic sub-band operation and non-primary channel access let devices keep using a wide channel even when part of it is busy.
Smarter modulation
Finer-grained modulation steps and unequal modulation across spatial streams keep throughput higher at the edge of coverage.
Compare generations
Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 8
| Wi-Fi 6 / 6E | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE standard | 802.11ax | 802.11be | 802.11bn (draft) |
| Design goal | Efficiency in dense networks | Extremely high throughput | Ultra high reliability |
| Max channel width | 160 MHz | 320 MHz | 320 MHz |
| Highest modulation | 1024-QAM | 4096-QAM | 4096-QAM |
| Multi-link | – | Multi-Link Operation | Multi-Link Operation |
| AP coordination | Basic | Limited | Multi-AP coordination |
| Roaming | Assisted (e.g. 802.11k) | Improved with MLO | Seamless mobility |
| Navijin availability | Available now | Available now | Coming soon |
Wi-Fi 8 information is based on the public IEEE 802.11bn draft and industry roadmaps. Features, dates and performance targets may change before final ratification and Wi-Fi Alliance certification.
Where it matters
Who will benefit most from Wi-Fi 8
Hospitals
Reliable roaming for clinical handhelds, carts and real-time monitoring.
Smart factories & warehouses
Predictable latency for AGVs, robots and wireless control.
Stadiums & venues
Coordinated access points for tens of thousands of devices.
Airports & transport
Seamless mobility for staff and passengers on the move.
Enterprise offices
Consistent video calls and cloud apps on every floor.
Education campuses
Stable performance when every student connects at once.
Prepare today
How to get your network ready for Wi-Fi 8
- 01
Deploy Wi-Fi 7 now
Wi-Fi 7 is the best standard for projects today. Wi-Fi 8 access points are expected to work alongside it.
- 02
Upgrade to multi-gigabit PoE
Use 2.5G/10G PoE switches such as the NJS-7224MP so access-point uplinks are ready for the next generation.
- 03
Install Cat6A cabling
New cabling should support 10G to every access-point location.
- 04
Plan for higher PoE budgets
Next-generation access points are likely to need PoE++ (802.3bt) at full performance.
- 05
Design for coordination
Use a controller-based, consistently managed AP estate so multi-AP features can be enabled later.
Available now
Build a Wi-Fi 8-ready foundation with Navijin
These Wi-Fi 7 access points and multi-gigabit switches are available today and form a future-proof base for Wi-Fi 8.
Indoor Access Point
NW-AP725-2.5G
Wi-Fi 7 Ceiling wireless access point
View specifications →Outdoor Access PointNW-OAP739-2.5G
Wi-Fi 7 Tri-band outdoor wireless access point
View specifications →L3 Managed SwitchNJS-7224MP
24x 2.5G PoE+ + 6x 10G SFP+ L3 Managed PoE Switch
View specifications →L3 Managed SwitchNJS-7208MP
8x 2.5G PoE+ + 4x 10G SFP+ L3 Managed PoE Switch
View specifications →Unmanaged PoE SwitchGE2512-24P2S
24x 2.5GE and 2x 10G SFP+ Unmanaged PoE Switch
View specifications →Gateway & AC ControllerNG-GE504-P
4-port Gateway + PoE Switch + AP Controller
View specifications →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Wi-Fi 8?
Wi-Fi 8 is the expected Wi-Fi Alliance name for IEEE 802.11bn, the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) amendment. It follows Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and focuses on reliability, latency and roaming rather than higher peak speed.
When will Wi-Fi 8 be available?
The IEEE 802.11bn standard is expected to be completed around 2028. Early products may appear before final certification. Navijin will announce its Wi-Fi 8 access points when they are ready.
Is Wi-Fi 8 faster than Wi-Fi 7?
Peak data rates are similar, because Wi-Fi 8 keeps 320 MHz channels and 4096-QAM. The improvement is in real-world performance: draft targets include about 25% better throughput in difficult conditions, 25% lower worst-case latency and 25% fewer lost packets.
Should I wait for Wi-Fi 8 or buy Wi-Fi 7 now?
Buy Wi-Fi 7 now. It is mature, widely supported by devices and gives a big step up from Wi-Fi 6. Investing in multi-gigabit PoE switching and Cat6A cabling today prepares you for Wi-Fi 8 later.
Will Wi-Fi 8 work with my existing devices?
Yes. Like every Wi-Fi generation, Wi-Fi 8 is designed to be backward-compatible with earlier Wi-Fi devices.
How can I get Navijin Wi-Fi 8 updates?
Contact our sales team or subscribe to the newsletter in the website footer. We will share roadmap updates, early-access programs and launch dates.
Be first to know when Navijin Wi-Fi 8 launches
Register your interest for early-access programs and roadmap briefings, or start with a Wi-Fi 7 design today.