What is Wi-Fi 6, why is it needed and what are the prospects

Internet users drew attention to the fact that manufacturers are actively promoting devices labeled "Wi-Fi 6" on the market. Before that there were 802.11 standards with some letters, and everything changed dramatically.

 

What is Wi-Fi 6

 

Nothing more than the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard. The name was not taken from the ceiling, but simply decided to simplify the labeling for each generation of wireless communication. That is, the 802.11ac standard is Wi-Fi 5, and so on, downstream.

 

 

Of course, you can get confused. Therefore, no one forces manufacturers to rename devices under the new labeling. And manufacturers, selling equipment with Wi-Fi 6, additionally indicate the old 802.11ax standard.

 

Wi-Fi speed 6

 

On average, the speed gain for each communication standard is approximately 30%. If the maximum for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is 938 megabits per second, then for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) the figure is 1320 Mbps. For ordinary users, these speed characteristics will not bring much benefit. Since hardly anyone has such a fast internet. The new Wi-Fi 6 standard is interesting for its other functionality - support for a larger number of simultaneously connected users.

 

 

And, importantly, having a router with Wi-Fi 6 support, you need to own the technology appropriate to the technology. It makes no sense to buy modern network equipment if you have an old-style mobile gadget with Wi-Fi. The “for the future” alternative is not welcome. While you decide to update your smartphone, a new communication standard will be released.

 

Useful Wi-Fi Features 6

 

The speed of data transmission over the air is more a side effect of network devices. Manufacturers are interested in reliability and efficiency in work. The Wi-Fi 6 standard stands out for its very popular functionality:

 

• Increased number of scenarios for multiple devices. Simultaneous operation of 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless networks allows more users to connect to network equipment. Albeit at the expense of speed for owners of gadgets using the old 2.4 GHz standard.
• OFDMA support. Simply put, network equipment with Wi-Fi 6 is capable of dividing the signal into additional frequencies, keeping all connected clients connected. This only works for the 5 GHz band. This function is convenient in cases where it is required to perform synchronous broadcasting of information to all connected devices. The OFDMA function is more interesting in the corporate segment and business.
• Target Wake Time function. At the hardware level, a network device (in particular, a router) is able to manage its own power on a schedule. This includes detecting inactivity, going to sleep, shutting down networks for security purposes, and so on.

 

Should you buy equipment with Wi-Fi 6

 

With regard to mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, there is no need to think about the question. Manufacturers, keeping up with the times, will install a new chip themselves and release a gadget with Wi-Fi 6 support. Therefore, the question is more about buying a router.

 

 

Definitely, 802.11ax is better than 802.11ac. And the user will immediately notice the gain in the data transfer rate, stability and signal range. Just do not forget about the brand that launches a network device on the market under its logo. Only a reliable and time-tested manufacturer will offer a truly working product. At the time of this writing, for routers with Wi-Fi 6 support, we can only recommend one device: Zyxel Armor G5.