In its new data-driven networking trends report, Auvik, the network management software company, Auvik, has highlighted that the Wi-Fi 7 market has surged to roughly $1 billion (£795.2 million) before it is even slated to launch in May 2024. 

Auvik’s study involved analysis of over 1,000 data points sourced from platforms such as Google Trends, Statista, and Gartner, along with search term trends. 

Projections suggest that the market for Wi-Fi 7 — the upcoming WiFi standard — is set to hit $24.2bn (£19.2bn) by 2030, and signals a pivotal shift in wireless technology, according to the report. 

Wi-Fi 7, once released, might be able to achieve a theoretical peak data speed of up to 46 Gbps (Gigabits per second) which is 460 times faster than a current respectable download speed of 100 Mbps (Megabits per second).

Even if the peak speeds only reach 5 or 6 Gbps due to factors like distance from access point, signal obstructions, power levels, spectrum allocations, antenna design and interference from other networks, it is still a significant jump from the existing mean network speed in Scotland of 113 Mbps in Q3 last year. 

Other Notable Tech Trends

Along with Wi-Fi 7, another trending search was “cloud computing security,” which peaked within 3% of its five-year high, making a 106% increase since December 2018. According to the report, the surge in interest reflects mounting complexities in safeguarding cloud environments, underlining the critical need for robust security measures.

“Cloud cost” also surged to 95% of its global five-year peak in December 2023. Organisations worldwide are navigating economic challenges by seeking ways to optimise cloud spending, presenting IT professionals with the challenge of balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness, says Auvik.

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In December 2023, searches for “network security management” peaked as well, marking the highest levels since 2007, according to the report. This trajectory aligns with the surge in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and escalating cybersecurity concerns in an evolving digital landscape.

Finally, infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is projected to reach $182 billion (£144b) in 2024, with a notable 26.6% growth in end-user spending over the previous year. This surpasses the growth rates of platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS), indicating a strategic shift toward flexible and scalable cloud infrastructure.