Why is my MLO Network Performance not as Good as Expected?

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is a key feature of Wi-Fi 7 (also known as 802.11be) technology. With MLO, Wi-Fi 7 supports establishing multiple links simultaneously between the Station (STA, such as the phone) and Wi-Fi access point (AP, such as the router).

Ideally, connecting to an MLO network will enhance throughput, reduce latency, and improve network efficiency. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of MLO depends on the compatibility between the AP and the STA. While Wi-Fi 7 routers are equipped with MLO capabilities, the level of support for MLO on clients such as smartphones and network adapters can vary.

For instance, through comparative testing, it is observed that when some client devices connect to a Deco MLO Network, their actual throughput may not be significantly improved in comparison to a non-MLO network connection, since the clients don’t fully support MLO or have limited compatibility with the feature. Under these circumstances, and in certain scenarios, the performance of the MLO network connection may even be inferior to that of a standard, single-band Wi-Fi connection between the client device and the Deco.

Note:

MLO is a rapidly evolving technology. It is recommended to refer to the specific product documentation and manufacturer information for each of your Wi-Fi devices for the most up-to-date details on MLO support and performance.

As Wi-Fi 7 technology becomes more prevalent, it is expected that newer client devices will have improved MLO support. Manufacturers are likely to integrate MLO capabilities into their devices to take full advantage of the advanced features offered by Wi-Fi 7 networks.