Wi-Fi 6 is a new standard for wireless networking. The update promises to be faster and safer than the current Wi-Fi 5, also known as 802.11ac. By bringing the nomenclature easier to understand, the novelty promises to solve problems such as overloading public access points, giving greater efficiency and performance to connected users.
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest and greatest wireless standard, offering faster speeds, better performance, and new features that make it the perfect choice for anyone looking to upgrade their wireless network. Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with all previous standards, so you can still use your old devices with no problem. And with increased internet speeds and reduced energy consumption, Wi-Fi 6 is the clear choice for anyone looking to upgrade their wireless network.
What is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation of wireless technology that is designed to provide faster speeds, better performance, and improved security. Wi-Fi 6 is based on the 802.11ax standard and offers a range of benefits over previous Wi-Fi standards. One of the key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and older standards is the use of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). OFDMA allows for more efficient use of bandwidth and reduces congestion in dense deployments like stadiums or office buildings. In addition, Wi-Fi 6 devices must support WPA3, the latest security standard for wireless networks. This provides an added layer of protection against hacking and other security threats.
The Benefits of Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest and greatest wireless standard, superseding the older 802.11n standard. It offers significant benefits in terms of speed, flexibility and range. One of the key differences is that Wi-Fi 6 uses the less congested 5GHz band frequency, which results in faster data speeds and less bandwidth congestion. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 was officially certified in 2020 and has quickly become the de facto standard for wireless LAN technology (WLAN).
1. The ‘router trick’ makes your Wi-Fi faster
While Wi-Fi 6 is compatible with previous versions, the user needs an instant-receiver device to take full advantage of the technology. Here are five improvements that the latest standard should bring to wireless connections.
Wi-Fi problems and possible solutions
The new Wi-Fi promises faster data transfer. If a user has a wireless router with only one connected device, the potential maximum speed should be up to 40% higher with Wi-Fi 6 than with Wi-Fi 5. This is made possible by efficient data encryption, resulting in higher performance. A practical example is the ability of the new standard to store multiple data in the same number of radio waves. Also, the chips that code and decode these signals have become more powerful and can handle the extra work.
The improvement of Wi-Fi 6 can be observed on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. It is worth remembering that the 5 GHz frequency is now used by users who are trying to avoid the interference and overload encountered in the 2.4 GHz network. Despite this, the band has a higher distribution power even in environments with many obstacles.
2. Lower battery consumption
Wi-Fi 6 has a new feature called “TWT” or “Target Awakening Time.” The feature is capable of detecting when the device is connected to the network in sleep mode, as well as when it “wakes up” to receive data from the wireless connection again. In this way, devices “sleep” waiting for the next Wi-Fi transmission. A handy result of this feature is that smartphones, laptops and other Wi-Fi 6 devices should have longer battery life as energy is saved during sleep times.
3. Better performance in areas with high demand
The wireless network tends to weaken in very dense places, with several users and devices connected to the same access point, which happens in shopping malls, restaurants, airports and even homes or offices. Therefore, Wi-Fi 6 promises to solve this problem. The idea is to divide the transmission channel into several other subchannels, each of which is responsible for transmitting data intended for different devices.
Performance improvement was achieved thanks to the multiple access function with orthogonal frequency division (OFDMA). Unlike the previous standard, the feature allows not only a Wi-Fi access point to send signals to multiple devices simultaneously, but also for devices to react at the same time.
Public places should have a better internet connection for users with the new standard, as well as greater security — Photo: Pond5
4. Safer public access points
With the new Wi-Fi 6 technology, users will be able to connect to different public hotspots without having to log in to each wireless network differently. After authentication to the point, it should be possible to switch from the network more easily and securely. A project called the Open Roaming Consortium works with identity and access providers, creating safer ways to authenticate the same device across networks.
5. Better support for smart devices
With higher performance and speed even in places with connected devices overloading on a single network, Wi-Fi improves data exchange between an access point and devices connected to it. In practice, this could mean that the new standard may offer better support in places populated by smart devices, since everyone must be connected to the internet to work. A house that has, for example, smart sockets, showers, refrigerators and security cameras, will have a faster and more efficient connection to support these devices.
How Wi-Fi 6 Compares to Other Standards
The next generation of wireless technology is upon us, and Wi-Fi 6 is at the forefront. This new standard promises faster speeds, better performance, and more efficient power consumption. So how does Wi-Fi 6 compare to the other standards?
In terms of speed, Wi-Fi 6 is the clear winner. It offers theoretical speeds of up to 9.6Gbps, compared with max speeds of around 3.5Gbps for Wi-Fi 5. But it’s not just about speed – Wi-Fi 6 also provides better performance for multiple devices simultaneously streaming data.
Wi-Fi 5 is still a perfectly good standard for most users, but if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in wireless technology, Wi-Fi 6 is the way to go.
What Devices Are Compatible With Wi-Fi 6?
As of right now, the devices that are compatible with Wi-Fi 6 are the iPhone 11 series, the iPad Pro, the Huawei P40 Pro, and the One Plus 8. ROG Phone 3 is also compatible with Wi-Fi 6. Samsung Galaxy S10 and Note 10/10+ are the only smart phones that support Wi-Fi 6 as of right now. However, more notebooks that support Wi-Fi 6 are becoming increasingly common. Some of these notebook models include the Dell XPS 15 OLED and other higher-end models. Most flagship smartphones today come with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, so you have a wide range of choices when it comes to compatible devices.
When Will Wi-Fi 6 Be Available?
Although Wi-Fi 6 was finalized in 2019, it wasn’t until 2020 that we started to see a wealth of router and client devices that were compatible with the new standard. While some routers are still quite expensive, there are now a number of budget-friendly options available that offer the same speeds and features as their more expensive counterparts.
How Much Will Wi-Fi 6 Cost?
If you’re looking to upgrade your home network to the latest and greatest Wi-Fi 6 standard, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The good news is that there are already a few affordable options on the market, with more sure to come in the near future.
One of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers currently available is the TP-Link Deco X20, which is designed for homes of up to 5,800 square feet. It’s around $200, which isn’t too bad considering the increased speed and efficiency that Wi-Fi 6 offers.
In other CES 2020 router news, D-Link announced a new Wi-Fi 6 version of its Covr mesh system. That one will cost $269 for a two-piece setup when it launches later this year. While that’s still quite expensive, it’s not as bad as some of the other options on the market.
Meanwhile, current Wi-Fi
How Do I Get Wi-Fi 6?
If you want the latest and greatest in wireless networking, you’ll want to get Wi-Fi 6. This new standard offers faster speeds, better battery life, and less congestion than the previous generation. To get Wi-Fi 6, you’ll need a wireless network adapter that supports it. Check your PC’s documentation to see if it supports Wi-Fi 6. If it does, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with this new standard.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest wireless standard that offers many improvements over the older standards. The most notable difference is the increased number of devices that a single router can support. Wi-Fi 6 also comes with a new mandated feature that improves data rates and consume less energy.