Connectivity Review: Testing 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Beyond

In 2025, connectivity is the backbone of our digital world. From streaming ultra-high-definition content to powering smart cities, the demand for faster, more reliable networks has never been higher. In this blog post, we dive into the latest advancements in connectivity—specifically 5G and Wi-Fi 7—and explore what’s on the horizon for the future of wireless technology.

5G: The Promise vs. Reality

5G has been hailed as a game-changer since its rollout began, promising blazing-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to connect millions of devices simultaneously. But how does it hold up in real-world testing?

Testing 5G Performance

We tested 5G across urban and suburban environments using a flagship smartphone and a dedicated 5G hotspot. In dense urban areas with robust infrastructure, download speeds averaged 600–800 Mbps, with peaks reaching 1.2 Gbps. Latency hovered around 10–15 milliseconds, making 5G ideal for applications like cloud gaming and real-time video conferencing. However, in suburban areas, performance was less consistent, with speeds dropping to 100–300 Mbps due to fewer 5G towers and reliance on mid-band spectrum.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its strengths, 5G still faces hurdles. Coverage gaps persist in rural areas, where 4G often remains the default. Additionally, mmWave 5G, which offers the highest speeds, struggles with limited range and poor penetration through walls. Battery drain on 5G-enabled devices was also noticeable, with some devices losing 20% more battery compared to 4G during heavy usage.

The Verdict on 5G

5G delivers on its promise in urban centers but falls short of universal coverage. For users in well-connected areas, it’s a leap forward, but those in less dense regions may not feel the full impact yet.

Wi-Fi 7: The Next Leap in Wireless

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is the latest evolution in wireless networking, building on Wi-Fi 6E with faster speeds, lower latency, and better efficiency. With support for 320 MHz channels and 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), Wi-Fi 7 promises theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps—nearly four times that of Wi-Fi 6.

Testing Wi-Fi 7

We set up a Wi-Fi 7 router in a controlled environment with multiple devices, including laptops, smartphones, and IoT gadgets. In ideal conditions (close proximity, minimal interference), we achieved speeds of 5–6 Gbps on the 6 GHz band, with latency as low as 2 milliseconds. Multi-device performance was impressive, as Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allowed devices to use multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously, reducing congestion.

In a real-world home setting with walls and interference, speeds dropped to 2–3 Gbps, still significantly faster than Wi-Fi 6’s 1–1.5 Gbps under similar conditions. Streaming 8K video and transferring large files were seamless, even with 20+ devices connected.

Wi-Fi 7’s Standout Features

• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Devices can switch between bands dynamically, improving reliability.
• Wider Channels: 320 MHz channels enable higher throughput, ideal for data-intensive tasks.
• Improved Efficiency: Better handling of dense networks, making Wi-Fi 7 perfect for smart homes and offices.

The Catch

Wi-Fi 7 requires compatible hardware, which is still emerging in 2025. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 7 router and devices can be costly, and the full benefits are only realized in environments with high-bandwidth demands.

Beyond 5G and Wi-Fi 7: What’s Next?

The future of connectivity is already taking shape, with several technologies poised to redefine how we stay connected:

• 6G on the Horizon: Expected to debut around 2030, 6G aims to deliver speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, with sub-millisecond latency. Early research suggests 6G will leverage terahertz frequencies and AI-driven network optimization, enabling applications like holographic communication and advanced IoT ecosystems.
• Satellite Internet Advancements: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, like Starlink, are expanding global connectivity. In our tests, satellite internet delivered 150–300 Mbps in remote areas, bridging the gap where 5G struggles.
• Li-Fi Potential: Using light to transmit data, Li-Fi offers speeds up to 100 Gbps in controlled settings. While still in its infancy, Li-Fi could complement Wi-Fi in high-security or high-density environments.

5G and Wi-Fi 7 are pushing the boundaries of connectivity in 2025, offering impressive speeds and reliability for most users. 5G shines in urban settings but needs broader coverage, while Wi-Fi 7 is a powerhouse for home and office networks, provided you have the hardware to support it. Looking ahead, 6G, satellite internet, and Li-Fi promise to take connectivity to new heights, ensuring our increasingly connected world keeps pace with demand.

Whether you’re a gamer, a remote worker, or a tech enthusiast, now is an exciting time to explore the possibilities of modern wireless technology. Stay connected, and keep an eye on what’s next!