I got a sneak peek at TP-Link’s upcoming Wi-Fi 8 routers — and improved range and reliability are their biggest upgrades

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

From the start of the wireless networking era – even before it was called Wi-Fi – every new spec and generation of hardware was aimed at delivering faster speeds to do more things online at home. Not anymore, because Wi-Fi 8 (aka. 802.11bn) takes a different approach, putting an emphasis on range and reliability to be able to stay online longer with fewer interruptions.While it seems like a step sideways with a top speed of 46 Gbps that’s equivalent to Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8 can do a lot to make home networking easier, more fulfilling and dependable. The new spec’s Ultra High Reliability (UHR) approach promotes better performance at long range, the ability to handle more data traffic and block interference. Spectral efficiency is the name of the game with Wi-Fi turning from squeezing more data into the air waves to making it easier to use and more reliable.Buyer beware, as has been the case with every Wi-Fi generation, the router hardware precedes the general availability of client devices. At first, it can seem like a wireless tease, then, all of a sudden, there are new generation devices everywhere. In addition to the first Wi-Fi routers and mesh kits in the coming months, expect Wi-Fi 8, phones, computers and tablets in early-to-mid 2027. This will be followed by range extenders and USB upgrade kits late in the year.Archer 8 Ultra and Deco 8 Ultra