5 indispensable tips for a successful Wi-Fi 7 migration

March 1, 2026 - Are you already using Wi-Fi 7? All manufacturers have already introduced their Wi-Fi 7 Access Points, so there is plenty of choice. Our tip: don't just look at the AP! Wi-Fi 7 networks require more than just high-performance APs. All that wireless traffic has to be handled by a wired network somewhere. In this article, we would like to show you which steps are needed to prepare your network and achieve optimal performance.

TIP 1: Determine if your Edge Switches support PoE+ and Multi-Gig

Wi-Fi 7 APs require more power to reach their full potential. Therefore, ensure that your switches support 802.3at (PoE+) to deliver 30W per port, or even 802.3bt (Hi-PoE) to deliver up to 100W per port, so that the APs are fully operational. A Wi-Fi 7 AP connected to an 802.3af port will work, but with reduced capacity.

Cabling is another (important) component of a high-performing network. If your LAN connectivity is limited to 5 Gbps, you can use Cat5e cabling, but Cat6 cabling is mandatory when 10 Gbps connectivity is needed. Wi-Fi 7 APs support both, so take a good look at what applies to you.

In addition to checking the edge switches and cabling, it is also necessary to identify any bottlenecks from the edge to distribution switches and all the way to the core. For Wi-Fi 7, Alcadis recommends that Edge Switches have at least 10 Gbps uplinks to distribution switches. Are you purchasing new switches? Then we recommend uplinks of 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, or even 100 Gbps to be fully future-proof!

TIP 2: Implement a distributed, wireless architecture

With such an architecture, you save money because a controller is not needed, nor is the associated maintenance. Migrating your network to a standards-based architecture with Wi-Fi 7 APs can save time and money and improve efficiency. Besides cost savings, you also benefit from the certainty that the APs are robust enough to make decisions about air-time fairness, band steering, automatic channel selection, and automatic power selection.

TIP 3: Use a unified network management system

Ensure that you have a network management system that allows you to manage both the wired and wireless infrastructure via one platform. Integrated management is essential for operational efficiency and to reduce IT workload.

TIP 4: Conduct a (predictive) site survey

Before you have identified the necessary access points, it is strongly recommended to conduct a physical wireless survey, especially in challenging environments such as older buildings, school campuses, and critical areas like hospitals. Nowadays, a site survey can even be done remotely. Alcadis offers this option as one of our Professional Services. Explore the possibilities.

TIP 5: Choose the right APs

As mentioned before, there are an enormous number of possibilities to choose from when it comes to Wi-Fi 7 APs. To take ALE as an example: the AP1511 is an entry-level Wi-Fi 7 AP with a max. throughput of 9.22 Gbps and 1x 5GE Uplink with PoE output. On the other hand, there is also the AP1521. This mid-range AP has a maximum throughput of 12.2 Gbps and 1x 10GE uplink with PoE output and 1x 1GE uplink/downlink.

Is one better than the other? Technically, yes. But in practice, the AP1511 comes into its own much better in the SME and (small) retail sector because the features align better with the location's objectives! For advice, feel free to contact us via sales@alcadis.nl or 030 – 65 85 125!