Leviton Poll
Volume 16 | Issue 3 | 2025
Wi-Fi 7: The Cabling Behind the Curtain
The expected broad adoption of Wi-Fi 7, offering higher throughputs, faster speeds, and increased security, is quickly upon the market. Demand for seamless connections, blazing speed, and latency-free Wi- Fi is simply too high for previous generations of Wi-Fi standards to accommodate. But as with previous generations of Wi-Fi advancements, the physical network infrastructure behind the curtain will need to evolve to support these new capabilities and requirements.
Offering a significant increase in performance over previous Wi-Fi standards, revenue from Wi-Fi 7 indoor access points is projected to grow from $0 in 2023 to more than $5 billion by 2027 (Dell’Oro Group). This is unprecedented adoption of a new Wi-Fi technology, and a strong indicator network infrastructure professionals should prepare to help customers deploy this technology effectively.
What is WI-FI 7 (802.11be): Extremely High Throughput?
In short, Wi-Fi 7 is designed to support up to 40 Gb/s, which is around 4 times faster than the speed of Wi-Fi 6 or 6e. Along with this increased speed, network latency is improved 4 times over Wi-Fi 6, making Wi-Fi 7 a much more effective option for AI and automation applications working in real time.
Major Improvements in Wi-Fi 7
6 GHz Frequency and 320 MHz Channel Width allows for higher throughput and less interference between signals competing for Wi-Fi bandwidth. The existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are used by many legacy devices like microwaves, Bluetooth, and older wireless access points.
4096 QAM in Wi-Fi 7 offers a 20% increase in network speed over Wi-Fi 6’s 1024 QAM. 4096 QAM will carry 12 bits per symbol, compared to Wi-Fi 6’s 10 bits per symbol. The more bits packed into the signal, the higher the throughput for faster network speeds.
Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7 enables real-time data transmission applications like video calls, remote surgery, or robotics and automation systems that need to operate in sync. Wi-Fi 7 can transmit and receive using multiple links across the different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) improving network capacity, speed, and reliability.
Multi-Resource Unit with Wi-Fi 7 improves efficiency and reduces the waste of unused available wireless space. Wi-Fi 6 introduced Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), which divides the channel into smaller sub-units called Resource Units (RU), allowing multiple users to transmit data simultaneously. Wi-Fi 7 further enhances this feature by allowing multiple RUs to be assigned to a user.
Preamble Puncturing in Wi-Fi 7 removes a portion of a channel affected by interference, while maximizing availability of the remaining spectrum in the channel. Previous standards lose any remaining bandwidth after channel interference.
Design Recommendations
While Wi-Fi 7 delivers faster speeds and improved network performance by operating on higher frequencies, Wi-Fi 7 does not significantly increase the range. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, which struggle to easily penetrate walls and other obstacles, making the signal more vulnerable to obstruction. However, with proper infrastructure planning, you can maximize Wi-Fi 7 performance.
There are design guidelines recommended by different standards organizations.
TIA TSB-162-B — Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points (WAP): This document recommends using an 18.3 m x 18.3 m uniform cell design, with a minimum of two Cat 6A cables per WAP. Since Wi-Fi 7 has a theoretical maximum speed of 40 Gb/s, many Wi-Fi 7 WAPS will be equipped with multiple Cat 6A ports, possibly up to four. Leviton recommends running four Cat 6A cables per WAP for a future-proof design.
TIA-4966 — Telecommunication Infrastructure Standard for Education Facilities: This recommendation is based on the number of people in the space. It is ideal for large classrooms and school auditoriums that must connect a high number of wireless users and devices. The recommendation is to place one WAP for every 25 people.
ISO/IEC 11801-6 and EN 50173-6 Generic Cabling for Distributed Building Services: While not specific to Wi-Fi, this standard can be used to plan Wi-Fi deployment. The standard recommends use of service outlets (SOs) and service concentration points (SCPs) grid concept.
Solutions for the Latest Wireless Network
It is very important to install cable and connectivity that can support WAP performance. Category 6A products must be installed and multiple Cat 6A cables are recommended per WAP to support Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6e, and 7.
Premium cabling solutions, like the Leviton ATLAS-X1™ SST MILLENNIUM™ global Cat 6A system, provide best-in-class performance with enhanced Alien Crosstalk (AXT) protection. The ATLAS-X1™ RDT MILLENNIUM™ global Cat 6A system combines the high performance of ATLAS-X1 connectivity with the smallest outside diameter Cat 6A cable on the market. The QUICKPORT™ In-Ceiling Bracket — which when combined with our plenum-rated cable, jacks, patch cords, and surface-boxes — provides a flexible, testable permanent link in drop ceilings to WAPs. And the VXC Coupler is a cost-effective method for terminating cables for wireless access points, video cameras, and other ceiling mounted devices.
Learn more about Leviton’s cabling systems for wireless networks at Leviton.com/wireless.
Subscribe Today
Like what you’re reading? Get more industry news and trends in our quarterly newsletter when it’s hot off the press.
When do you expect to deploy a Wi-Fi 7 network?
Leviton & Nextivity Optimize Network Performance at North Carolina Facility
Leviton Network Solutions recently completed a 94,000-square-foot expansion of its Fuquay-Varina, NC, facility as part of a five-year plan to increase production capacity, reduce lead times, and support global demand. But while the physical footprint grew, one issue remained: the facility had virtually no cell signal.
“Pre-Nextivity, when we ran a signal speed check across our network, the speed was effectively zero throughout parts of the facility,” said Mike Connaughton, Sr. Product Manager, Leviton Network Solutions.
To solve the problem during expansion, Leviton integrated the Nextivity CEL-FI® QUATRA® 4000c, a neutral-host DAS solution that boosts signal from all major carriers and supports private 5G, while aligning seamlessly with Leviton’s structured cabling infrastructure.
Working with Nextivity, manufacturer’s rep JPI Associates, and installer Strategic Connections, Leviton deployed a system that eliminated dead zones and delivered full cellular coverage across the site. The result: a fully connected, future-ready facility that supports both workforce needs and global operational goals.
In 2023, Leviton and Nextivity announced a marketing relationship to deliver cellular connectivity over quality infrastructure for enterprise customers. Learn more about our Nextivity alliance »
News You Can Use
Color Coding Your Network: More Than Just Aesthetic
Unplugging the wrong patch cord can take down an entire network. In critical environments like hospitals, data centers, or government facilities, quick port identification isn’t just convenient, it can be a matter of safety, cost, or even lives.
Human error remains the number one cause of network downtime, often due to simple mistakes: misconfigured ports, undocumented changes, or pulling the wrong cable. As networks grow, so does the number of hands touching them, compounding the potential for outages, security breaches, and lost productivity. One of the simplest and most effective safeguards? Color coding. Using consistent, intentional color schemes across your infrastructure improves visual clarity, speeds up troubleshooting, and reduces the risk of errors. At a glance, technicians can identify port functions, trace patch cords, perform MAC work, or take over unfamiliar systems with confidence. Leviton offers a full suite of color-coded solutions to support organized and secure networks.
Jacks and Icons
ATLAS-X1™ and EXTREME™ jacks are available in a wide range of colors to support segmentation, wall plate matching, or even aesthetic preferences, like aligning with a school or corporate brand. And ATLAS-X1 jacks include options for customizable icons provide an extra layer of visual labeling, data, AV, phone, and more.
Commonly used color coding in networks:
- White/blue for standard LAN
- Yellow for PoE
- Red for mission-critical ports
- Pink for healthcare and education environments
Patch Cords and Cable
Leviton enables full end-to-end color consistency, from cable to jack to patch cord, making identification easy at any point in the channel: entrance facility, TR, plenum, or work area.
Secure RJ System
The Secure RJ system adds a layer of physical security with color-coded housings and port blockers that prevent unauthorized access or unintentional use.
- Field-installable housings fit any Leviton Compact Boot Cat 6/6A patch cord
- Secure RJ keys are color-matched and required for removal, ensuring only authorized personnel can make changes
Whether you’re designing for security, efficiency, or style, Leviton makes it easy to build a color-coded system that works during planning, installation, or retrofit. Color isn’t just visual, it’s functional.
Tech Tips: Add Security on the Spot with Field-Installable Secure RJ
Originally introduced nearly 20 years ago, the Leviton Secure RJ system has helped customers protect critical RJ-45 ports by preventing unauthorized or accidental disconnects. Once connected, plugs can only be removed using a color-matched extraction tool, ensuring network continuity where it matters most. The secure system is now field-installable, making it easier than ever to add a physical layer of security to any cord, any time. Why use field-installable Secure RJ:
On-Demand Security
No need to pre-order specific cord colors and lengths. Simply attach Secure RJ housings to any Leviton compact plug Cat 6/6A patch cord in the field.
Physical Access Control
Prevent accidental disconnects and unauthorized access to mission-critical network ports. The plug cannot be removed without the matching Secure RJ extraction tool.
Protect Unused Ports
Use Secure RJ Port Blockers to secure empty jacks from tampering or misuse. Perfect for sensitive environments with fluctuating staff or shared access.
Color Coding
Secure RJ is available in eight distinct colors, helping IT teams identify ports by application (e.g., security, access control, AV, admin, student, guest).
Field-Installable Secure RJ is ideal for:
Data Centers - Government & Defense - Education - Financial Services - Retail - Hospitality
Ask the Experts
NORTH AMERICA ONLY
Q: How can I determine which products I can use for a government project? Do they all need to say “Country of Origin: USA?”
A: The first step is to determine which rule applies. Government projects have special rule sets that apply to products on the jobsite. These rules use different criteria to qualify items and are known by acronyms such as BAA (Buy American Act), TAA (Trade Agreements Act), and BABA (Build America, Buy America). Country of Origin is a requirement for import/export, but cannot be used to confirm BAA, TAA, or BABA.
In general: If the project is for a federal government facility (ex: military base or VA hospital) it will fall under either BAA or TAA rules. If the project is non-federal, such as a state facility or local infrastructure project such as a regional hospital or airport, these jobs receive federal grants and fall under BABA rules.
Once the compliance rule is confirmed, Leviton Technical Services can assist in selecting qualifying products and obtaining project compliance certification. Reach out to appeng@leviton.com for assistance.
