Wi-Fi 7 Upgrade Checklist for Busy Offices

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) unlocks multi-link operation and wider channels, but only if the groundwork is ready. Use this checklist before you swap APs.

RF design

• Refresh floor plans, account for new walls and IoT clusters that absorb signal.
• Mix 160 MHz and 320 MHz channels strategically so conference rooms get throughput without starving desk areas.
• Validate power draw and PoE budgets; many Wi-Fi 7 APs need 802.3bt.

Site survey & testing

1. Run predictive modeling, then confirm with active surveys during peak hours.
2. Capture multi-link performance to ensure clients roam cleanly between bands.
3. Test legacy devices in compatibility mode to avoid surprises on day one.

Operations

• Update NAC and MDM policies so new radios inherit the right tags and certificates.
• Enable advanced telemetry (Intel DTT, Cisco RRM analytics, Mist service levels) to observe retries, jitter, and application QoE.
• Stage firmware pipelines so every AP can roll back if DFS or power rules change.

Need certified engineers onsite? Gambit’s Wi-Fi practice can deliver design docs, heatmaps, and cutover support.