(855) 771-3154
You are on your weekend Netflix binge, and just as things get thrilling, there appears a buffering wheel.
Frustrating, right?
Not anymore.
Let us introduce you to the next generation of Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi 6 – offering 4X higher performance, 4X greater capacity, 3X more speed, and better coverage.
Wi-Fi 6 is here to put an end to the suffering of buffering.
This new generation of Wi-Fi is not just offering a one-time speed boost; it’s an upgrade for a lifetime.
If speed and 5G get you excited, wait till you find out what Wi-Fi 6 can do.
Within this write-up, we will answer all the questions related to Wi-Fi 6, its pros, cons, features, and more.
So, let’s start with the basics: What is Wi-Fi 6?
What is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 also known as “AX WiFi" or "802.11ax WiFi” is the next generation of Wi-Fi.
Technically, both Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 perform the same function i.e. connecting the devices.
So why was Wi-Fi 6 designed?
One simple answer – to link more devices simultaneously. A study by Statista reveals that in 2018, an average North American owned around 8 devices, and this number grew to 13 by 2023. As the vast number of smart devices grew in each household, users were finding it hard to stay connected.
Even the properly set up devices were facing issues like speed and signal disruption.
So, Wi-Fi 6 came to the rescue.
Let’s look at all the features it offers, so you can know what the hype is all about.
Top 6 Features of Wi-Fi 6
Target Wait Time (TWT)
TWT: improves battery life and network efficiency
TWT is a feature that decides if your IoT device needs to stay connected and awake. This ensures device health and battery life are not affected and the network efficiency is topnotch. It also helps in conserving power and prevents channel congestion, keeping things going smoothly.
Basic Service Set (BSS) Coloring
BSS: amplifies connection capacity with multiple devices
Imagine living in an apartment complex with several devices and operational Wi-Fi networks. Every device is connected and active, which means more noise and interrupted signals. The BSS coloring feature assigns color to Wi-Fi signals that eventually allow the devices to be identified easily. This further reduces the chance of any interference and boosts network efficiency in areas with multiple active Wi-Fi networks.
1024-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) Mode
QAM: higher data transmission rate for seamless connectivity
Think of Wi-Fi as the highway – the wider the roads, the easier it will be for the vehicles to pass simultaneously. 1024-QAM is that wide highway lane that will let all the data pass without disruption. It ensures that every signal gets to carry more data in each packet and yet flows seamlessly. Moreover, it promises faster speed and seamless connectivity even in crowded spaces.
Multiple-User, Multiple-In, Multiple-Out (MU-MIMO) and Transmit Beamforming
MU-MIMO: seamless communication of router with multiple devices
The older versions of Wi-Fi allowed transmitting or receiving data from one device at a time, causing congestion and lag. With MU-MIMO, multiple devices can communicate with the router nonstop and that too without any impact on speed. With the use of multiple antennae, the Wi-Fi signal directly travels toward each device so the signal strength stays maximum.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
WPA3: enhances user data and password security
Amidst the recurring safety and security breach threats, Wi-Fi6 comes equipped with WPA3. This feature offers enhanced security and user privacy.
WPA3 helps in:
- Simplifying the security configuration
- Fortifying protection to meet the defense, industrial, and government standards
- Ensuring cybersecurity by encrypting user passwords and data
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
OFDM: reliable connection even in crowded spaces
In Wi-Fi 5, devices had to wait their turn to use the internet but the OFDMA feature solves this issue. Now with Wi-Fi 6, signals are divided into smaller channels. With signal division, multiple devices can easily use the internet simultaneously without congestion or signal lag.
What Sets Wi-Fi 6 Apart From the Previous Versions?
To give you a perspective, here is a side-by-side comparison of Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6:
| Physical Parameters | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
|---|---|---|
| Channel bandwidths (MHz) | 20, 40, 80+80, 160 | 20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160 |
| FFT sizes | 64, 128, 256, 512 | 256, 512, 1024, 2048 |
| OFDM Symbol duration | 12.8 µs | 32 µs |
| Frequency bands (GHz) | 5 | 2.4, 5, 6 (reported) |
| Subcarrier spacing (KHz) | 78.125 | 321.5 |
| Highest modulation scheme | 256 QAM | 1024 QAM |
| Converge Wi-Fi 6 (Range and connectivity) | Offers a longer range. | Enhanced efficiency but the range is relatively shorter than Wi-Fi 5. |
| Performance | Supports 4 simultaneous data streams | Supports 8 data streams with enhancing data transmission capabilities, better network volume, and improved efficiency. |
If you want to stay committed to your current Wi-Fi and not feel left out, there are still a few ways you can optimize the speed of your Wi-Fi. Click here for the best tips to maximize internet speed at home.
However, if you are confused, let us help you decide.
Wi-Fi 6: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 4x faster data transfer rate | A compatible device is required to enjoy a full-speed boost. |
| Efficiency | Best network efficiency in congested spaces with multiple devices. | Negligibly noticeable in locations with fewer devices. |
| Capacity | Seamless connectivity with multiple devices and exceptional performance. | Required Wi-Fi 6 routers to enjoy the capacity boost. |
| Latency | Minimum lag and exceptional responsiveness for real-time applications | Internet plan speeds may affect the latency. |
| Security | WPA3 offers enhanced network protection. | Might not be a significant upgrade from WPA2 for most home users. |
| Battery Life | Enhanced power efficiency and battery life for compatible devices. | Improvement in battery life varies based on the device. |
| Backward Compatibility | Works with devices that are compatible with earlier versions of WiFi i.e. 802.11 ac/n/g/b/a. | Only works if both router and device are compatible with Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cost | - | More expensive than Wi-Fi 5 routers. |
| Connectivity Range | - | Extenders are still required for large buildings and multi-story homes. |
Impressed by Wi-Fi 6?
Here are some top internet service providers (ISPs) you can try.
Top ISPs Compatible with Wi-Fi 6
FAQ’s
Is Wi-Fi 6 better than regular Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi 6 is much better than Wi-Fi 5 as it offers nearly 12 streams across the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. With more streams, users can enjoy better speed, enhanced connectivity, and more paths to communicate via Wi-Fi routers.
Does Wi-Fi 6 penetrate walls better?
No, Wi-Fi 6 might not penetrate walls better but it definitely offers better coverage and range.
Is upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 worth it?
Wi-Fi 6 has better speed, seamless connectivity, low latency, and connects up to eight devices simultaneously. All these features make Wi-Fi 6 a worthwhile upgrade.
