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Wi-Fi 7 Trends in Oil & Gas for 2025

Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the next generation of wireless technology that promises significant improvements in speed, capacity and latency. In the Oil & Gas vertical, the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 can drive several key trends.

Wi-Fi 7 will transform operations in the Oil & Gas sector by providing robust, high-speed wireless connectivity that supports a wide range of applications and enhances overall operational capabilities.

The Oil & Gas industry is benefiting significantly from adopting Wi-Fi 7 due to its advanced technical capabilities. The higher data rates and capacity that Wi-Fi 7 offers compared to its predecessors are achieved through technologies like 320 MHz channel bandwidth, 4096-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). The increased capacity allows for the support of more devices and higher data throughput, which is essential in the Oil & Gas industry, where numerous sensors and IoT devices are deployed for monitoring and data collection. This ensures that critical data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently, supporting real-time decision-making and operational efficiency.

The Oil & Gas sector is seeing immediate benefits in these three trending areas:

  1. Enhanced Connectivity in Remote Locations: The Oil & Gas industry often operates in remote and harsh environments where reliable connectivity is crucial. Wi-Fi 7's increased range and speed can provide better connectivity for remote monitoring and control systems, enabling real-time data transmission and improved operational efficiency.
  2. Improved Safety and Monitoring: With the ability to support more devices simultaneously and provide low-latency connections, Wi-Fi 7 can enhance safety systems. This includes better support for IoT devices and sensors used for monitoring equipment and environmental conditions, leading to quicker response times in case of anomalies or emergencies.
  3. Support for Advanced Applications: The high throughput and low latency of Wi-Fi 7 can support advanced applications such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for training and maintenance. These technologies can be used for remote assistance, equipment diagnostics, and immersive training programs, improving workforce efficiency and safety.

Technical Advances in Wi-Fi 7

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) achieve reduced latency and improved reliability provided by Wi-Fi 7. These technologies help reduce latency and enhance the reliability of wireless connections. In the Oil and gas industry, where operations are often time-sensitive and occur in challenging environments, low latency and reliable communication are crucial for safety and operational effectiveness. 

These features enable more responsive control systems and enhance the performance of applications that require real-time data processing, such as remote monitoring and automated control systems. By leveraging these technical advancements, the Oil & Gas industry can enhance its operational capabilities, improve safety measures, and support the deployment of advanced technologies.

Wi-Fi 7 & Advanced Security (WPA3)

WPA3 is significantly impacting the Oil & Gas industry by enhancing the security and reliability of wireless communications. It provides stronger encryption and more robust authentication mechanisms compared to WPA2, which is crucial for protecting sensitive operational data and proprietary information from unauthorized access and cyber threats. WPA3 also includes protections against brute-force attacks through Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), making it more difficult for attackers to crack passwords. This added security is vital for safeguarding network access points, especially in remote sites that may be targeted by cybercriminals. Additionally, WPA3 improves user authentication with features like Easy Connect, which simplifies the secure onboarding of a wide range of devices, including IoT sensors and mobile equipment. This streamlined process reduces the risk of configuration errors and enhances the overall security posture of the industry, ensuring operational integrity and the protection of sensitive information in a highly connected environment.

Which OEM Is Best?

Which OEM is best for your business depends on many factors. Does your deployment require one or more of the following hardware certifications: IP67, IP66, ATEX Zone 2, Class 1 Division 2, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-15, NEMA, NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X? If your deployment environment requires a specific rating on the computer equipment, your purchasing choices will be somewhat limited.

Ruggedized Access Points: Ruggedized access points are designed to withstand harsh environments, extreme temperatures, dust, and corrosive substances. This durability supports the deployment of IoT devices and sensors, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

  • Cisco and HPE Aruba both offer a variety of Wi-Fi 6/6E ruggedized access points

IOT Sensors: If you have a business use case for using USB-based IOT sensors in the access points deployed, several OEM vendors offer APs with powered USB ports for this purpose

  • Cisco, HPE Aruba, Arista, Extreme, Fortinet and Juniper MIST have AP models that offer one or more powered USB ports.

If you need help determining which OEM is right for your business, consider scheduling a Wi-Fi OEM Evaluation workshop with WWT.