Initial hardware compatible with Wi-Fi 8, formally known as IEEE 802.11bn, was presented at CES 2026. This unveiling indicates potential market availability for some devices within the current year, even as the official standard for Wi-Fi 8 is not projected for finalization until mid to late 2028. Manufacturers like Asus, Broadcom, and MediaTek showcased components and concept devices, highlighting anticipated advancements in connection stability, data throughput, and power efficiency compared to previous Wi-Fi generations.
Introduction to Wi-Fi 8
Wi-Fi 8, designated as IEEE 802.11bn, represents the next generation of Wi-Fi technology. Its development follows the relatively recent introduction of Wi-Fi 7. The primary objectives for Wi-Fi 8 include enhancing connection stability, maintaining high speeds and bandwidth consistent with Wi-Fi 7, and improving overall network performance.
Key Features and Objectives
The capabilities attributed to Wi-Fi 8 include:
- Enhanced Connection Stability: A central focus, aiming to reduce connection drops, especially during device movement or at greater distances from a router. This is expected to improve performance for applications like streaming and gaming.
- Higher Data Throughput: Projections from manufacturers indicate potential for increased data transfer rates.
- Improved Power Efficiency: Designed to optimize energy consumption for connected devices.
- Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Communication: Facilitates more efficient direct communication between devices.
- Stronger Two-Way Communication: Specifically noted for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
- Reduced Latency: Aims to lower delay in network communications.
- Improved Congested Network Management: Technologies are being developed to better handle environments with many connected devices.
One technology anticipated to contribute to network stability is Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR). This feature is designed to allow devices to dynamically adjust their power output based on proximity to other devices, with the goal of mitigating interference and network congestion.
Manufacturer Showcases at CES 2026
Several companies introduced Wi-Fi 8 compatible hardware at CES 2026:
- Asus: Presented the ROG NeoCore, a concept router for Wi-Fi 8. This prototype features a polyhedral (20-sided) design without external antennas. Asus has stated that a production model would aim to achieve data speeds equivalent to Wi-Fi 7, combined with higher throughput and reduced latency. The company outlined four primary connectivity challenges its Wi-Fi 8 routers intend to address: reducing speed degradation, improving connection stability, strengthening two-way communication for low-power devices, and enhancing management of congested networks. Observations of the prototype indicated three Ethernet ports, heat vents, a power adapter input, and a hook for wall mounting. Specific details regarding the router's chipset or supported bands were not provided. Asus indicated plans for initial Wi-Fi 8 home routers later in 2026.
- Broadcom: Announced the BCM4918 APU and two new dual-band radios, the BCM6714 and BCM6719. These components are designed for integration into residential Wi-Fi 8 routers and service provider gateways.
- MediaTek: Introduced its Filogic 8000 family of Wi-Fi 8 chips. These chips are intended for high-end and flagship devices, including enterprise access points, smartphones, laptops, televisions, and smart home devices. The first products featuring Filogic 8000 chips are expected to launch within the current year.
These announcements at CES 2026 followed TP-Link's demonstration of a Wi-Fi 8 prototype connection in October of the preceding year.
Standardization and Industry Perspective
Despite the unveiling of hardware, the official IEEE 802.11bn specification remains unfinalized. The current IEEE timeline projects the ratification of the Wi-Fi 8 standard between mid to late 2028. Hardware released prior to this official ratification would be based on a draft version of the specification and would likely require firmware updates to align with the final standard once it is established.
Kevin Robinson, CEO of the Wi-Fi Alliance, commented that the presence of Wi-Fi 8 at CES reflects industry interest in the forthcoming generation of Wi-Fi technology. He noted that the Wi-Fi Alliance is in the early stages of selecting Wi-Fi 8 features, and it is customary for the Wi-Fi ecosystem to commence work on silicon, reference designs, and early product development in advance of "Wi-Fi CERTIFIED" availability.