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WiFi has become equally important as the TV itself in the current streaming-first era. Whether gaming online, watching 4K movies, or using smart home features, the WiFi only makes or breaks your entertainment experience.
Modern TVs now support premium wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6 and the emerging Wi-Fi 7. Both deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections than ever imagined. According to Electrosonic, Wi-Fi 7 is the latest stage in the wireless network evolution. It meets consumers’ increasing demands for reliability, improved speed, bandwidth, latency, and data transfer potential in immersive environments.
Want to know more? This blog is here to answer your Wi-Fi-related questions, like how it works, why it matters, and which technologies truly influence TV’s performance. These details will help you stream, enjoying the best picture quality your devices can offer. Plus, who to approach the best Wi-Fi built-in portable TV?
The History and Evolution of WiFi
WiFi is so deeply ingrained in your lifestyle that you might have never thought about how it began. Let’s discuss the history and evolution of this technology:
Early 1970s
The roots trace back to the early 1970s at the University of Hawaii. Here, the researchers created ALOHAnet. It was one of the first systems to transmit data without attaching physical cables. This innovation proved that radio waves were reliable enough to deliver digital communication, laying the foundation for modern WiFi.
The 1980s and 1990s
Rapid breakthroughs happened throughout the 1980s and 1990s. This helped wireless communication get better. When regulatory bodies opened particular frequency bands for unlicensed public use, it became a big turning point. The open public use triggered widespread experimentation and commercial interest, pushing the wireless network from laboratories into everyday devices.
The First WiFi
In 1997, the first official Wi-Fi was introduced. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers launched IEEE 802.11. The wireless networking specification offered speeds of only 2 Mbps, but it still marked the birth of standard Wi-Fi, which you can’t imagine life without. Over time, wireless convenience has evolved. Each version improves speed, reliability, and device capacity.
WiFi Evolution Table
| Standard | Year | Max Speed | Key Improvement |
| 802.11 (Original) | 1997 | 2 Mbps | First WiFi version |
| 802.11b | 1999 | 11 Mbps | Wider adoption begins |
| 802.11g | 2003 | 54 Mbps | Faster, more stable |
| 802.11n | 2009 | 600 Mbps | MIMO introduced |
| 802.11ac | 2014 | 1.3 Gbps | 5GHz performance boost |
| Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 2019 | 9.6 Gbps | OFDMA, MU-MIMO improvements |
| Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | 2024+ | 30+ Gbps | Multi-Link Operation, 320MHz channels |
A Technology Built for Modern Demands
From the table, you can figure out that WiFi has evolved from a slow, experimental system into the backbone of smart living and modern entertainment. Today, the latest wireless network is Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. They are designed to support higher bandwidth, more connected devices, and seamless streaming. Making them a must-have for the modern smart TV experience.
Key WiFi Technologies Explained
You might feel overwhelmed in trying to understand the wireless network. But a few technologies play a vital role in influencing how smoothly your smart TV streams videos. Loads applications or handles cloud gaming.
We have explained a few key wireless frequencies and transmission methods that shape your home entertainment experience:
2.4GHz vs 5GHz vs 6GHz
WiFi functions on different radio frequency bands. Each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages:
2.4GHz Band
This is the oldest and most widely used band:
Pros:
- Provides the longest signal range
- Easily penetrates walls
- It’s most susceptible to hindrance from Bluetooth devices, microwaves, and neighboring routers.
Cons:
- Slows down the speed
- 2.4GHz is perfect for older devices or low-bandwidth tasks
5GHz Band
The version offers a drastic upgrade in reliability and speed:
Pros:
- Enjoy faster data transfer rates
- Perfect for 4K and HD streaming, online gaming, and smart TVs
- There is less interference due to the greater availability of channels.
Cons:
- Shorter range than 2.4GHz
6GHz Band (Wi-Fi 6E & Wi-Fi 7)
The 6GHz band, with the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and later Wi-Fi 7, offers a huge leap in wireless performance:
Pros:
- Extremely high speeds
- Due to the clean spectrum, you experience very low interference.
- Ideal for 4K/8K streaming, cloud gaming, and VR.
Cons:
- The newest WiFi performs best when the TV and router are placed in the same room.
For smart TVs, 5GHz and 6GHz offer the best results, especially for UHD, HDR, and Dolby Vision content.
MIMO / MU-MIMO
Multiple Input, Multiple Output
It uses multiple antennas within the connected devices and the router to send and receive multiple streams of data:
- Improves speed
- Enhances signal reliability
- Generally boosts WiFi efficiency
Multi-User MIMO
Multi-user MIMO allows routers to communicate with several devices at the same time, expanding this potential:
- Best for busy households
- No slowdowns when multiple users are online
- MUMIMO ensures your TV maintains its strong bandwidth even when multiple tablets, phones, and laptops share the same network.
OFDM / OFDMA
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
OFDM divides a WiFi signal. The division is done into many smaller subcarriers, which improves stability and reduces interference.
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access
This goes a step ahead. It simply allows multiple devices to use these subcarriers simultaneously:
- Decreases network congestion
- Elevates latency
- The network maximizes efficiency in dense places like apartments
- You will find OFDMA in Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7
When these frequency bands: MIMO, MU-MIMO, OFDM, and OFDMA join hands, you receive a smooth, fast, and reliable WiFi. For 4K or 8K streaming, binge-watching series on Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube, the features of these technologies directly affect how consistently your TV performs.
Which WiFi Standards Do Modern TVs & Media Players Actually Use?
The good news is that most modern TVs, like Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, are now shipped with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 support. But the premium models of 2024 and 2025 are quickly adopting Wi-Fi 6E. And, the latest, Wi-Fi 7, is beginning to appear in premium lines.
Here’s what this means:
- Wi-Fi 5: It's adequate for 4K streaming, but can struggle in congested homes.
- Wi-Fi 6: Upgrade offers a better range. The same goes for reliability and multi-device performance.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Comes with the 6GHz band for ultra-fast speeds.
- Wi-Fi 7: The future WiFi. Considered ideal for 8K streaming and cloud gaming.
Media players like Nvidia Shield Pro, Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd gen), and Apple TV 4K (2022-2024). It typically houses a strong wireless network while supporting Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E.
If you have bought a new TV and want the best possible performance, search for models that advertise either Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7. Both steal the show in delivering noticeably smoother and more consistent streaming quality.
WiFi Speed Requirements for Streaming
Dislike that buffering during your favorite shows or games? That can be avoided with an internet connection matching your resolution and streaming quality. Here’s how?:
- HD (720p / 1080p): 5–10 Mbps
- 4K UHD: 25 Mbps minimum
- 4K HDR / Dolby Vision: 35–50 Mbps preferred
- 8K:80–120 Mbps or more
- Cloud Gaming: 25–50+ Mbps with low latency
These figures represent internet speeds. The WiFi’s performance at your end plays an equally vital role. Despite your ISP providing 200 Mbps, a weak signal could limit your TV.
Major factors affecting TV streaming quality are:
- How far is it from the router?
- Number of walls between devices
- Is there any Interference from neighbors?
- Which router generation (Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7) are you using?
- How many devices are connected simultaneously?
For a smooth 4K/8K playback and lag-free gaming, a modern router with 5GHz or 6GHz bands is essential.
How to Choose the Right Router for Your Smart TV?
A well-chosen router can improve your TV’s streaming quality. Therefore, please consider the following:
Select the Correct WiFi Standard
- Minimum: Wi-Fi 6
- Ideal: Wi-Fi 6E
- Best: Wi-Fi 7
Use a Router with Strong Streaming Features
Look for:
- MU-MIMO
- OFDMA
- 160MHz or 320MHz channel support
- Beamforming
- High-gain antennas
- Multi-Gig Ethernet ports
Re-adjust Placement
Place your router:
- Centrally in your home
- Higher up on a shelf. Not on the floor.
- Keep it away from metal objects and microwaves
Go For Mesh WiFi
Do you live in a large home? Go for a mesh system: Nest WiFi, eero, Orbi, or Deco. This ensures your TV gets a strong, consistent signal in any room.
Upgrade Regularly
Upgrade regularly, especially if your router is older than 5 years. Doing so improves streaming performance even if the internet speed stays the same.
Future of WiFi: What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond?
The wireless network is entering a new era. By 2026, Wi-Fi 7 will become the standard for high-performing. Be prepared to expect large-scale improvements in multi-device capacity. Ultra-low latency for cloud gaming, and support for bandwidth-heavy media like 8K HDR and volumetric video.
Plus, routers will make the most out of smarter beamforming, AI-based optimization, and Multi-Link features. These will combine multiple brands for maximum speeds.
Your future smart TVs will increasingly depend on 6GHz connections to impress you with flawless streaming even in complicated home environments,
Conclusion
WiFi technology is constantly upgrading, and with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, you can expect lag-free streaming of your favorite shows and series. But also make sure you have a supporting portable TV for it, and if you don’t, contact GFF-AI.
