If you’ve been keeping up with the latest in technology news, then you may have heard about WiFi 6. But what is it, and how will it affect you?
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about WiFi 6, including what it is, how it works, and why you should care.
What is WiFi 6?
WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without the use of cables.
WiFi has come a long way since it was first introduced in 1997, and the latest version, WiFi 6, is the most advanced yet.
So what makes WiFi 6 so special?
Simply put, WiFi six is faster, more efficient, and more secure than any of its predecessors.
It’s also able to handle more devices at once, making it ideal for homes with multiple users and devices.
WiFi Generations Explained
Until recently, Wi-Fi generations were referred to by an arcane naming scheme that required you to understand whether 802.11n was faster than 802.11ac, whether 802.11ac was faster than 802.11af, and whether any of those names meant anything to the general public.
To fix that, the Wi-Fi Alliance decided to rename Wifi generations with simple version numbers.
So the current generation of Wi-Fi, 802.11ac, turned into Wi-Fi 5.
This new generation, previously called 802.11ax, is now Wi-Fi 6.
How does WiFi 6 work?
The main difference between WiFi six and earlier versions is the use of OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access).
This is a new technology that allows data to be split up and sent on different frequencies, which means that more devices can be connected to the same network without slowing down speeds.
WiFi 6 upgrades the MU-MIMO technology that is already in use in modern routers and devices. This technology allows data to be split up and sent on different frequencies, which means that more devices can be connected to the same network without slowing down speeds.
Right now, MU-MIMO allows routers to communicate with four devices at a time. Wi-Fi 6 will allow devices to communicate with up to eight.
In addition, WiFi 6 uses something called target wake time (TWT), which reduces power consumption by allowing devices to sleep for longer periods.
How Fast is it?
WiFi 6 is up to 3 times faster than the previous version, Wi-Fi 5. This means that you can expect speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps.
WiFi 6 is all about improving the network when a bunch of devices are connected. Instead of boosting the speed of individual devices, this new technology will help to keep everyone online at the same time. Whether you’re streaming a movie or browsing the internet, you’ll be able to do so at lightning speeds.
When Wi-Fi 5 came out, the average US household had about five Wi-Fi devices.
Now, homes have more Wi-Fi devices and are predicted to have many more shortly.
Those added devices take a toll on your network. Your router can only communicate with so many devices at once, so the more gadgets demanding Wi-Fi, the more the network overall is going to slow down.
Why should you care about WiFi 6?
If you’re looking to future-proof your home network, then upgrading to WiFi 6 is a no-brainer.
Not only will it be able to handle all of the devices you currently have, but it will also be able to cope with any new devices you may get in the future.
It’s also worth noting that WiFi 6 is currently compatible with the new generation of devices that are being released, such as the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S20.
You will need to look at getting new router to utilize these updates.
Wifi 5 Vs Wifi 6
Wi-Fi 6 is faster and better at managing more devices simultaneously, while Wi-Fi 5 is cheaper. If your internet plan is above 500 Mbps or you have 10+ smart devices, Wi-Fi 6 is the way to go.
Read more in our Wifi 5 vs Wifi 6 comparison
