The intersection of AI and Wi-Fi would be the dominant theme in 2026 and past
As 2025 attracts to an in depth, I had the chance to talk with three of probably the most influential voices shaping the way forward for Wi-Fi know-how: Robert Stacey, Chair of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 Working Group; Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the WBA (Wi-fi Broadband Alliance); and Kevin Robinson, CEO on the Wi-Fi Alliance. Primarily based on these conversations and my very own take, listed below are my predictions for Wi-Fi in 2026.
The rise of AI-powered Wi-Fi
The intersection of AI (Synthetic Intelligence) and Wi-Fi would be the dominant theme in 2026 and past. Alternatives stream in each instructions: Wi-Fi enabling AI functions, and AI making Wi-Fi networks smarter and extra responsive.
On the community administration aspect, AI is transferring past cloud-based analytics to on-device decision-making. We’ll see AI serving to with consumer steering, channel administration, and useful resource allocation, with extra evaluation and decision-making occurring immediately on chipsets moderately than within the cloud. The objective is making networks proactive moderately than reactive—self-healing, automated, and delivering persistently higher person experiences.
The Wi-Fi Alliance is actively working to make sure that new Wi-Fi capabilities are AI-ready from the outset, constructing standardized information fashions via initiatives resembling Wi-Fi Information Parts. An Alliance report on AI in Wi-Fi is predicted in Q1 2026.
From a requirements perspective, most AI/ML (Machine Studying) functions don’t require new standardization work. Beamforming optimization is a major software—utilizing AI to scale back coaching overhead and enhance predictions—together with visitors scheduling and environmental sensing. There’s important room for vendor innovation with out modifications to underlying requirements.
One attention-grabbing pressure is rising round information sharing amongst WLAN producers. Pooling telemetry information may benefit smaller gamers who lack the large datasets of business giants, however bigger distributors understandably view their accrued information as a aggressive differentiator. Discovering widespread floor on what information to share for troubleshooting and efficiency evaluation stays a problem the business is actively debating.
Wi-Fi 7 momentum, Wi-Fi 8 on the horizon
Wi-Fi 7 adoption has exceeded expectations regardless of a questionable enterprise mannequin. By many accounts, it has outpaced earlier generations, pushed by the know-how’s concentrate on consistency moderately than simply peak speeds. Count on adoption to speed up additional in 2026, significantly amongst carriers.
In the meantime, the IEEE 802.11 Working Group has reached a big milestone with Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn)—the preliminary draft is full, which means the system in all fairness feature-set full. Key enhancements embody:
- Prolonged MLO (Multi-Hyperlink Operation) for quicker roaming
- Enhanced EDCA —often known as Prioritized EDCA. EDCA stands for Enhanced Distributed Channel Entry, the listen-before-talk protocol that Wi-Fi makes use of. The prioritized model permits preempting ongoing transmissions to ship shorter, higher-priority information packets with decrease latency.
- Tone plan optimizations for six GHz (gigahertz) operation
- Improved help for latency-sensitive functions like gaming and AI
First Wi-Fi 8 merchandise ought to seem across the finish of 2027, with certification packages rolling out via late 2026 and early 2027. Whereas some distributors will inevitably launch early software-upgradable programs, don’t anticipate significant industrial availability till 2027.
The WBA plans to launch an academic white paper on Wi-Fi 8 after summer season 2026, and chipset producers will possible start making bulletins at CES (Client Electronics Present).
Wi-Fi 9 and the return of millimeter wave
Discussions about Wi-Fi 9 will start in earnest in early 2026, possible round March. A key part can be millimeter wave know-how via the 802.11bq challenge—however with a vital distinction from the failed 802.11ad commonplace.
The bq challenge focuses on non-standalone operation, leveraging multi-link. As a substitute of working independently within the 60 GHz band, gadgets will uncover entry factors and set up preliminary connections in decrease bands, then seamlessly leverage millimeter-wave for high-capacity information switch. This strategy can considerably lower the implementation value that doomed earlier 60 GHz efforts.
Potential functions embody high-density deployments like stadiums and conference facilities, enterprise environments the place the 6 GHz band turns into congested, and peer-to-peer connections between close by gadgets. China is especially , given its spectrum constraints: it lacks entry to the 6 GHz band and seeks extra capability past 5 GHz.
There’s additionally dialogue of increasing channel widths to 480 MHz (megahertz) in Wi-Fi 9, up from the present 320 MHz most—although implementing such extensive channels presents important challenges given the fragmented nature of accessible spectrum.
Spectrum coverage: A fragmenting panorama
Delivering on Wi-Fi’s promise requires forward-thinking spectrum coverage, but Wi-Fi stays underrepresented in regulatory discussions, even because it carries the lion’s share of information visitors. Round 80% of total visitors runs over fixed-line networks, with Wi-Fi dealing with the final mile indoors. Whereas cell distributors tout XR and VR as drivers of mobile progress, the truth is that Wi-Fi will bear the brunt of that demand.
The six gigahertz band is the battleground. As 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz change into more and more congested, Wi-Fi wants room to develop, and 6 GHz gives the house for 320 MHz channels able to supporting high-throughput, low-latency functions. The WBA’s current survey discovered that 65% of respondents take into account 6 GHz availability “necessary” or “vital” to their Wi-Fi enterprise.
However world approaches are fragmenting. The US leads with the total 1,200 MHz out there for unlicensed use. Europe has solely the decrease portion, with the higher band possible heading towards licensed allocation following the RSPG advice. In Asia Pacific, the image is combined: South Korea follows the US mannequin with full unlicensed entry, Japan gives solely the decrease portion, and China dedicates the complete band to cell.
The outlook isn’t fully bleak. International locations presently on the fence are anticipated to achieve confidence as neighbors transfer ahead. India is anticipated to open up for unlicensed use. Spectrum sharing approaches, like these into consideration by Ofcom within the UK, might provide a center path for nations eager to hedge their bets.
One issue working in Wi-Fi’s favor: the rise of software-defined radios with configurable {hardware}. Enterprises can deploy tri-band infrastructure right now and reassign radios to six GHz as gadget penetration will increase, future-proofing their investments.
By the tip of the last decade, 6 GHz can be a predominant spectrum band for Wi-Fi. These nations which have allotted nearly all of it to cell operators will hope they made the correct name.
AFC: A lift for residential broadband
AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) is poised to ship tangible advantages in 2026, although maybe not the place many anticipated. Residential broadband carriers seem like the first beneficiaries. The worth proposition is simple: if a house presently wants three mesh pods for protection, commonplace energy operation would possibly cut back that to 2.
For dense enterprise deployments—stadiums, conference facilities—the calculus is totally different. These venues already deploy very dense AP networks. Commonplace energy might avoid wasting entry factors, however given the device-density necessities, operators might not need to cut back the AP depend.
AFC and related dynamic spectrum entry mechanisms proceed to achieve floor globally, although coverage developments in Europe following the current RSPG (Radio Spectrum Coverage Group) advice warrant shut monitoring.
OpenRoaming’s increasing footprint
The WBA’s OpenRoaming initiative continues its regular progress trajectory. Main retail manufacturers together with Zara are deploying OpenRoaming-enabled networks, together with healthcare establishments and municipalities. Japan stays the clear chief, adopted by the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the US.
The enterprise case has developed past easy connectivity. For retailers, OpenRoaming represents the inspiration of digital transformation methods—computerized funds, personalised experiences, and buyer identification all require ubiquitous connectivity as a primary step. The instant suggestions from deployments has been optimistic: beforehand underutilized Wi-Fi networks are all of a sudden seeing hundreds of thousands of connections.
Healthcare and municipalities are anticipated to be main champions in 2026, although in-flight Wi-Fi stays a fancy vertical with a number of stakeholders the place progress can be slower.
On the gadget aspect, Samsung and Google Pixel present OpenRoaming identities by default, although broader Android adoption stays a piece in progress. China and India current restricted OpenRoaming exercise—China, particularly, stays a fancy market to penetrate.
Safety: Making ready for the post-quantum period
A major safety transition is approaching. Authorities necessities for post-quantum safe cryptography are anticipated round 2027, initially from US businesses however more likely to broaden to different governments and ultimately to enterprise necessities.
The cryptographic keys used to encrypt information right now are susceptible to quantum cryptography cracking. The IEEE is creating new key-generation strategies via a short-term challenge to handle this rising menace. Initially, authorities businesses would require post-quantum safe cryptography for procurement, driving vendor help. The requirement will then broaden to the broader market.
The 802.11bi challenge on enhanced person privateness safety can also be progressing, although it’s taking longer to finish.
IoT: Will Wi-Fi HaLow discover its market?
Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) is gaining traction in opposition to proprietary sub-1 GHz applied sciences, steadily taking up sensing functions like utility meter studying. However the elementary query stays: can HaLow carve out a sustainable place between applied sciences that already dominate their niches?
LoRa gives kilometers of vary with minimal energy consumption—very best for good meters and agricultural sensors. Commonplace Wi-Fi blankets most indoor environments. HaLow wants use circumstances the place commonplace Wi-Fi can’t attain however LoRa’s bandwidth is just too restrictive—a narrower section than advocates would possibly hope.
If an enterprise already has Wi-Fi protection, what justifies deploying a separate HaLow community? Video surveillance in hard-to-reach places or industrial situations requiring prolonged vary with reasonable information charges are potentialities, however these stay area of interest in comparison with LoRa’s large utility deployments or commonplace Wi-Fi’s ubiquity.
On the optimistic aspect, HaLow gives flexibility that operator-dependent options like LoRa or NB-IoT can’t match—organizations can deploy their very own networks independently. In the meantime, Wi-Fi 7’s improved consistency and a brand new IoT-optimized 20 MHz mode (to be introduced at CES) might additional squeeze HaLow’s market alternative.
The convergence query
The connection between Wi-Fi and mobile continues to evolve, although not essentially within the course many assume. Typical knowledge suggests Wi-Fi is changing into extra like mobile, however the reverse could also be extra correct.
Mobile is transferring towards Wi-Fi’s packet-based, stateless structure—a development that accelerated with 5G (fifth era mobile) and can proceed into 6G. The distributed, listen-before-talk strategy that defines Wi-Fi stays the optimum manner to make use of unlicensed spectrum.
The applied sciences are complementary moderately than aggressive: Wi-Fi for indoor, high-density, high-capacity situations; mobile for true mobility and outside protection. Personal 5G has a task in enterprise situations, however public community focus doesn’t at all times meet the wants of personal networks, which require cautious tuning to particular enterprise necessities.
One concern price noting: indoor connectivity and personal networks stay underrepresented in coverage discussions, which are likely to concentrate on public cell networks.
Multi-Hyperlink Operation: The unfinished story
Maybe probably the most understated prediction entails MLO, the headline function of Wi-Fi 7. MLO nonetheless has a protracted method to play out and represents the first path to throughput enchancment given spectrum fragmentation.
In the present day’s implementations largely use EMLSR (Enhanced Multi-Hyperlink Single Radio) mode—a single radio that neatly switches between channels. True STR (Simultaneous Transmit and Obtain) throughout a number of bands stays an implementation problem, significantly for constrained consumer gadgets like smartphones the place antenna separation is proscribed.
The near-far drawback is critical: when transmitting on one channel, leakage into the receiver on the opposite channel is substantial. Options require arduous filtering between bands and probably echo cancellation strategies. As chipmakers remedy these challenges via 2026 and past, anticipate extra refined MLO implementations to emerge.
Entry factors deal with MLO extra simply—they will dedicate separate antenna arrays to totally different bands. Shopper gadgets face the more durable drawback, however progress right here will unlock MLO’s full potential.
Associated rising applied sciences to observe
A number of rising applied sciences deserve consideration:
Ambient Energy Communications: This challenge targets extraordinarily low-power Wi-Fi for functions like warehouse monitoring and meals distribution monitoring—temperature publicity monitoring throughout transport, finding packages in distribution facilities, and related use circumstances. These gadgets both harvest ambient power or use coin-cell batteries that final for years. The challenge is transferring extra slowly than others, with an preliminary draft anticipated round March-Could 2026.
Optical/Gentle-Primarily based Wi-Fi: Work continues on 802.11 within the optical bands, primarily for navy functions the place gentle’s directional nature gives safety benefits over RF (Radio Frequency). An attention-grabbing software: these bands are well-suited for underwater communications, probably enabling Wi-Fi connectivity to autonomous underwater gear the place RF efficiency is poor.
Direct-to-Machine Satellite tv for pc: This can be a important development to observe, although its Wi-Fi relevance lies primarily within the conventional satellite tv for pc backhaul-to-Wi-Fi last-mile mannequin. LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellations will assist considerably with this use case. The important thing query: will MNOs (Cellular Community Operators) embrace direct-to-device providers past areas with out mobile protection?
Key takeaways for 2026
- AI integration would be the dominant theme, with innovation occurring primarily on the implementation stage moderately than via new requirements.
- Wi-Fi 7 will see accelerated provider adoption, whereas Wi-Fi 8 completes its standardization course of (no merchandise till 2027).
- Wi-Fi 9 discussions start, with built-in millimeter wave as a key part.
- AFC advantages residential broadband suppliers; enterprise worth stays case-by-case.
- OpenRoaming expands in retail, healthcare, and municipal deployments.
- Publish-quantum safety preparations speed up forward of 2027 authorities necessities.
- Multi-link operation continues maturing with extra refined implementations.
- The Wi-Fi-cellular relationship evolves towards better complementarity, with mobile architectures transferring towards Wi-Fi’s packet-based strategy.
