Many offshore vessels and oil rigs are still running on WiFi 5 (802.11ac) technology. When it was introduced, WiFi 5 was a huge improvement over older wireless standards – but that was nearly a decade ago. Today, offshore operations demand more from their networks: faster speeds, greater capacity, and rock-solid reliability in challenging environments.
That’s where WiFi 7 (802.11be) comes in. Let’s break down what makes WiFi 7 a game-changer and why upgrading is well worth considering for your vessel or rig.
What’s the Difference Between WiFi 5 and WiFi 7?
| Feature | WiFi 5 | WiFi 7 |
| Top speed | Up to 3.5 Gbps | Over 40 Gbps |
| Frequency bands | 5 GHz only | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (Tri-band) |
| Channel width | 80 MHz (160 MHz in some cases) | Up to 320 MHz (double the size) |
| Data streams | Up to 4 | Up to 16 |
| Latency | Higher | Much lower, near real-time responsiveness |
| Efficiency in crowded environments | Limited | Significantly better, designed for high-density areas |
Why This Matters Offshore
Offshore vessels and rigs face unique network challenges:
- Metal structures reflect signals causing interference and dead spots.
- Large numbers of users often share the connection – crew, contractors, systems, and IoT devices.
- Bandwidth-hungry applications like video calls, streaming, and remote monitoring are now common.
WiFi 7 helps address these issues:
- Faster speeds mean more users can do more at once – without slowing each other down.
- Tri-band operation gives more options for avoiding interference and managing traffic.
- Wider channels allow bigger “data highways,” so information flows faster even in busy areas.
- Improved efficiency means the network can better handle the challenges of reflections and congestion.
The Benefits of Upgrading to WiFi 7 Offshore
- More reliable connectivity for crew welfare and operations keep your team connected, happy, and productive.
- Support for modern application from HD video calls to real-time monitoring of critical systems.
- Future-proof your vessel or rig WiFi 7 equipment will serve you well for many years, even as technology evolves.
- Better performance in tricky environments WiFi 7 is built to work smarter in places where older WiFi struggles.
No Upfront Investment – Just Better WiFi
Upgrading might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Through our Network as a Service (NaaS) solution, you can get WiFi 7 technology on board with no upfront cost.
Here’s what we provide:
- A professional heatmap survey that factors in your vessel’s construction materials
- Best practice access point placement
- Ruckus WiFi 7 access points – the latest in wireless technology
- A fully managed service, keeping your network optimised
- A crew welfare usage management portal
NaaS pricing is per access point per month. Contact us today to find out more.