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Networking kit manufacturer TP-Link, which develops a lot of broadband routers, WiFi extenders and smart home devices for network operators and consumers, today claims to have hit a “major technological milestone” after they conducted their first successful connectivity test using a prototype of the next gen Wi-Fi 8 standard (802.11bn – Ultra High Reliability).
As we’ve previously reported, Wi-Fi 8 will focus more on improving network reliability than boosting raw throughput speed (Wi-Fi 8 technology summary). The final standard for this isn’t expected to be fully completed until May 2028, but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers conducting their own tests based on the earliest available technical draft.
One of the first out of the gate seems to be TP-Link, which has worked with several industry partners to demonstrate its first successful data transmission using a prototype Wi-Fi 8 device. The test successfully validated both the Wi-Fi 8 beacon and data throughput, which helps to underscore the feasibility of the technology and marks a key milestone in global Wi-Fi 8 development.
Sadly, the announcement doesn’t say anything more than that or provide any pictures of the test, which is a bit disappointing.
Key Wi-Fi 8 Technologies (TP-Link)
DRU (Distributed tone Resource Units)
The device spreads its uplink tones across a wider band, increasing the overall transmitting power. DRU helps low power or faraway devices be heard cleanly by the router. Uploads (like video calls or cameras) become more reliable.ELR (Enhanced Long Range)
More robust packet structure and coding improve coverage at the edges of your home. Devices can stay connected farther from your router. Great for upstairs rooms, garages, and outdoor cameras.UEQM (Unequal Modulation)
Each WiFi stream can run at the best rate it can manage instead of all streams using the same rate. A weak stream no longer drags the strong ones down. You get more consistent speed when signal quality varies.New MCS (New Modulation and Coding Schemes)
When your signal weakens slightly, like when moving farther from your router, your device may suddenly slow down causing lag or buffering. WiFi 8 adds new MCS levels to smooth out these speed drops. That means more stable connections and consistent speeds across your whole home.DSO (Dynamic Sub-band Operation)
Devices today get fixed chunks of bandwidth even if they do not need it, which wastes capacity and causes congestion. DSO lets the router assign channels more precisely based on each device’s actual needs. This smarter channel frees up space for other traffic, reduces slowdowns, and improves performance across the entire network.NPCA (Non-Primary Channel Access)
Most devices today can only transmit on the router’s main channel, even if nearby channels are completely clear. NPCA allows devices to use alternate sub-channels when the main one is busy. This helps avoid traffic jams, reduce delays, and keeps your connection fast even when the network is congested.Improved Seamless Roaming
Move from room to room without losing your connection. Your devices automatically hand off between access points without a discrete disconnect/reconnect, supporting a continuous connection. You get no drop calls, no frozen video, and no interruptions.Multi AP (Access Point) Coordination
WiFi 8 APs (including routers, mesh nodes, and range extenders) align timing, steer signals with precision, and adjust power to reduce overlap. This coordination keeps interference low and speeds steady in mesh setups or homes with multiple access points.