The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has shared its 2025 predictions, outlining key trends in Wi-Fi evolution to meet demands for higher speeds, better security, and greater energy efficiency.
Tiago Rodrigues, WBA President and CEO, emphasized the industry’s critical moment as demand for seamless, secure, and high-performance connectivity surges.
Wi-Fi 7 Adoption
Wi-Fi 7 will see early adoption among technology-driven industries, smart home enthusiasts, enterprises, and public venues. It will support high-density, high-speed connectivity, enabling applications like 8K streaming, IoT integration, and real-time data collection in smart cities.
6 GHz Expansion and AFC
The rollout of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems will expand 6 GHz Wi-Fi use in regions like the U.S., Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia. This will improve connectivity in outdoor and high-traffic areas, ensuring coexistence with incumbent services.
AI-Driven Network Optimization
AI will optimize Wi-Fi networks by analyzing traffic patterns, managing devices, and adjusting bandwidth in real time. This is particularly important for smart homes and IoT-heavy environments, where performance demands are high.
Wi-Fi and 5G Convergence
The convergence of Wi-Fi and 5G/6G will ensure seamless connectivity by dynamically switching between networks. This will enhance smart city applications, autonomous vehicles, AR/VR experiences, and edge computing, leveraging the strengths of both technologies.
OpenRoaming
OpenRoaming adoption will grow globally, improving public and guest Wi-Fi experiences. It will also expand into IoT, enabling zero-touch provisioning and emergency response systems while creating new opportunities for mobile network operators.
TIP OpenWiFi
TIP OpenWiFi adoption will continue, especially in cost-sensitive markets and among managed service providers. Growth will depend on overcoming scalability challenges and competing with established WLAN providers.
Increased IoT Device Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Wi-Fi HaLow will optimize networks for IoT devices. Wi-Fi HaLow, with its extended range and low power consumption, will revolutionize applications in agriculture, manufacturing, and smart cities.
API-First Approach
The API-first strategy will dominate Wi-Fi development, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and seamless integration into digital architectures. APIs will play a critical role in building robust and adaptable solutions.
Expansion of Public Wi-Fi Networks
Governments and municipalities will expand public Wi-Fi as part of smart city initiatives, offering reliable, low-cost connectivity for urban areas. OpenRoaming will simplify network management and support IoT applications in smart cities.
Greater Focus on Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency will be a top priority, particularly for IoT devices. Technologies like Target Wake Time (TWT) will reduce power consumption by scheduling network check-ins, extending battery life for connected devices.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
