Category: Wi-Fi Networks

  • December 2023 Windows 11 Update Causing Wi-Fi Issues? Here’s How to Fix It

    December 2023 Windows 11 Update Causing Wi-Fi Issues? Here’s How to Fix It

    Did the December 2023 Windows 11 Update Break Your Wi-Fi?

    If you recently installed the December 2023 Windows 11 update, you might be facing unexpected Wi-Fi connectivity problems. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This guide explains the issue and provides step-by-step solutions to get your connection back on track.

    What’s Included in the December 2023 Update?

    This update introduces new drivers from Intel, AMD, and Realtek, though Microsoft’s documentation lacks detailed explanations. While it includes important security improvements, some users—especially those with older hardware—may experience Wi-Fi disruptions. If you don’t urgently need the driver updates, delaying installation could help avoid connectivity problems.

    Common Wi-Fi Issues After the Update

    The update can interfere with your device’s ability to connect to certain networks. While home Wi-Fi may work fine, enterprise, public, or school networks—particularly those using 802.1x authentication—are more likely to fail.

    Many IT professionals believe the issue stems from outdated Qualcomm wireless adapters, commonly found in older devices used by businesses and institutions.

    How to Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems

    If your Wi-Fi stops working after the update, try these solutions:

    1. Disable 802.11r (Temporary Fix)

    802.11r helps devices switch between networks faster, but it may be causing conflicts after the update. Disabling it can restore connectivity, though it might reduce roaming efficiency for mobile devices.

    Note: This isn’t a perfect fix, but it can help in the short term.

    2. Use Microsoft’s Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for a Permanent Fix

    Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and offers an automated solution:

    • KIR (Known Issue Rollback) automatically reverts problematic updates.

    • Most users will get the fix after a simple restart (may take up to 24 hours).

    • Enterprise admins can speed up the process via group policy updates.

    Final Thoughts

    While the December 2023 Windows 11 update can disrupt Wi-Fi, Microsoft’s KIR feature provides a seamless fix. If you need immediate relief, disabling 802.11r may help—but a system restart should eventually resolve the issue automatically.

    Need further assistance? Check Microsoft’s official support page for the latest updates.

  • Wi-Fi 7 Receives a Boost with Qualcomm’s AI-Optimized Chipset

    Wi-Fi 7 Receives a Boost with Qualcomm’s AI-Optimized Chipset

    Qualcomm’s latest AI-enhanced chipset is set to accelerate the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 products. This week, the company introduced its FastConnect 7900 chipset at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, paving the way for products supporting the newest Wi-Fi standard.

    According to Qualcomm, the FastConnect 7900 chipset will be available later this year and is designed to elevate performance, reduce latency, and improve power efficiency. It achieves this by combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies into a single chip, enabling features like digital keys, object tracking, and indoor navigation.

    The chipset is expected to contribute significantly to the broader adoption of Wi-Fi 7, following the launch of the Wi-Fi 7 Certified program by the Wi-Fi Alliance. This certification ensures products meet the new standard’s specifications.

    “AI in this chipset likely optimizes signal quality and overall performance between devices and customer-premises equipment (CPE),” explained Jeff Heynen, VP of Broadband Access and Home Networking at Dell’Oro Group. “We’re just beginning to understand how AI can enhance Wi-Fi.”

    The FastConnect 7900 also includes capabilities like Target Wake Time to improve IoT device support and optimizes Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing devices to use all three spectrum bands for optimal throughput. “This is an ideal application for AI, as it can learn, adapt, and fine-tune MLO for each device’s unique capabilities,” Heynen added.

    This represents just the beginning of how manufacturers can integrate AI into their products to improve efficiency, reduce power consumption, and deliver stronger connectivity, Heynen noted.

    Wi-Fi 7 on the Horizon

    Wi-Fi 7 products are expected to arrive soon as service providers adopt the technology to stand out in an increasingly competitive wireless market.

    Compared to Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 offers improved performance for enterprise environments, supporting more users in high-density areas. It is designed to meet the demands of applications like streaming while requiring fewer devices per deployment, easing management and maintenance challenges.

    Wi-Fi 7’s appeal lies in its versatility. Based on the IEEE 802.11be standard, it operates across multiple frequency bands, including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. It also boasts impressive speeds, offering links of up to 40,000 Mbps.

    Expanding Wi-Fi 7 Product Line

    In 2023, several companies, including Qualcomm, Broadcom, Intel, MediaTek, TP-Link, and CommScope, introduced Wi-Fi 7-compatible chips, modules, and devices. Keysight Technologies also showcased its Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity testing platform at MWC 2024.

    The Wi-Fi Alliance predicts that over 233 million Wi-Fi 7 devices will enter the market in 2024, with that number growing to 2.1 billion by 2028.

    Industry experts believe Wi-Fi 7 will better handle dense device usage and demanding applications like streaming, offering significant improvements over Wi-Fi 6E while maintaining backward compatibility. Many organizations, including large entertainment venues, are already leveraging Wi-Fi 6 and preparing for the shift to Wi-Fi 7.

    The Future of Wireless Connectivity

    The global market for Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 chipsets was valued at $22.55 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

    As the demand for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity continues to grow, Wi-Fi 7 is set to play a central role in shaping the future of wireless technology.