Why it is best for SMEs to upgrade directly from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 7

February 5, 2026 - 1 in 4 SMEs still run their network on Wi-Fi 5. Prices and limited IT capacity prevent them from investing in new Wi-Fi generations, making necessary innovations to stay competitive—such as AI, Cloud, and Video Conferencing—impossible. Recognizable? At Alcadis, we have been helping SMEs with these sometimes difficult transitions for over 20 years. Discover how you, too, can make the move to Wi-Fi 7 in 2026.

What kind of Wi-Fi do I have?

Does your internet work properly and have you had little trouble with it so far? Then we can imagine it is unclear which network you have. In general, the rule of thumb is that the installation year of the network says a lot about the Wi-Fi standard, because IT suppliers usually apply the latest technologies. Was it installed in a "borderyear"? Then please get in touch with us via sales@alcadis.nl or 030 – 65 85 125. We are happy to think along with you!

Why is it smart to upgrade?

Your network determines whether you have room for innovation. Do you want to get started with AI, Cloud, or Video Conferencing, for example? Then it is important that your network is in order. A Wi-Fi 5 network worked in 2013, but since then, a lot has changed in the network world. For restaurants, for example, innovations like robotics and AI are just around the corner in 2026. With Wi-Fi 5, you have too little bandwidth to support this properly. Wi-Fi 7 is much more suitable.

From Wi-Fi 5 to… Wi-Fi 7?!

The reason we suggest skipping Wi-Fi 6 and going straight to Wi-Fi 7 is because Wi-Fi 7 is better in every way than Wi-Fi 6 in 2026. This makes it a much more future-proof choice and avoids having to upgrade again in 3 to 4 years to keep up with innovations. Your network might just barely handle AI now, but the development of AI will continue rapidly in the coming years, and with it, the demands on the network.

Getting started

Convinced? Start with a Predictive Site Survey at Alcadis. Based on the floor plans of your environment, we determine where specific Access Points should be placed to realize good coverage—all without having to come to your location! You then make the choice yourself which products you want to order. RUCKUS, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE), Omada, Teltonika, … it is all possible. Check out a recent article for our Wi-Fi 7 offering in 2026.