Wireless Broadband reveals Wi-Fi industry trends for 2025

The Wireless Broadband Alliance has unveiled a series of predictions for the development of Wi-Fi technology by 2025, as presented by its President and CEO, Tiago Rodrigues, in their latest annual industry report.

Highlighting the current pivotal moment for the Wi-Fi industry, Rodrigues emphasised the growing demand for improved user experiences and the vital role of collaboration within the ecosystem. "The Wi-Fi industry has reached a pivotal moment. As demand for improved Wi-Fi user experience with seamless, secure, and high-performance connectivity continues to surge across homes, enterprises and cities, collaboration within our ecosystem is more critical than ever. At the WBA, we are committed to driving innovation, interoperability, and standards that empower the Wi-Fi and broadband connectivity industry to meet the needs of today while laying the foundation for tomorrow's connected world," he stated.

The WBA's report outlines several key trends expected to shape the future of Wi-Fi. One of the notable predictions is the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 by early users, particularly within tech-driven industries and smart cities. These sectors will leverage Wi-Fi 7 for enhanced connectivity needs like high-definition video conferencing and real-time data collection through IoT devices.

Regarding frequency expansion, regions such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Asia are expected to implement Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems following regulatory approvals. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission will spearhead AFC implementation to ensure devices can operate at standard power levels without interrupting existing communications.

AI within network management is also anticipated to rise, with AI-powered routers optimizing bandwidth and device management, especially in smart homes and IoT-intensive environments. This will allow infrastructure vendors to distinguish their offerings in a market where hardware is becoming commoditised.

The convergence of Wi-Fi and 5G/6G technologies will create seamless connectivity experiences, where dynamic network switching will facilitate uninterrupted service as individuals move between different areas. This synergy is expected to support smart cities through innovations such as real-time gaming and AR/VR applications.

OpenRoaming is predicted to gain traction, transforming public and guest Wi-Fi user experiences by simplifying connectivity processes. Its expansion into IoT will enhance capabilities like zero-touch provisioning of IoT devices and emergency calling, while extending opportunities for mobile network operators to incorporate Wi-Fi into their services.

The TIP OpenWiFi initiative is anticipated to expand, although its growth may vary across regions and sectors. Its success will depend on overcoming scaling challenges and building credibility against established wireless LAN providers.

With the growth of IoT, Wi-Fi's capabilities to manage numerous connected devices become critical. Standards such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are poised to be pivotal, while Wi-Fi HaLow emerges as a promising technology within sectors like agriculture and manufacturing due to its extended range and battery efficiency.

Further predictions underscore the significance of an API-first approach in Wi-Fi solutions, promoting flexible and scalable digital architectures. Public Wi-Fi networks, driven by smart city initiatives, are expected to expand their reach, supporting urban connectivity.

The emphasis on energy efficiency will see Wi-Fi networks adopt technologies like Target Wake Time (TWT), primarily benefiting IoT devices requiring prolonged battery life.

The WBA's 2025 predictions provide a comprehensive overview of the anticipated evolution within the Wi-Fi industry, set to transform connectivity experiences across various sectors worldwide.