What Is WiFi 6: Pros, Cons, And Recommendations (2024)

In the ever-evolving expanse of the internet, WiFi emerges as the driving force for our digital pursuits. Its journey has been transformative, shaping it into an indispensable tool for activities ranging from search queries to online shopping.

WiFi 6 is the latest wireless networking standard, promising faster speeds, better performance, and improved connectivity. WiFi 6 devices are designed to cater to the escalating demands of our interconnected world. With more WiFi 6 devices hitting the market, users can expect a superior wireless experience. Still, the high cost of WiFi 6 routers and limited compatibility with older devices are drawbacks that need consideration before upgrading.

Let's explore how WiFi is developed, its current technology, the pros and cons of this new Wifi 6 technology, and recommendations for embracing it.

The Development of WiFi

From its humble beginnings in the late 1990s to its pervasive presence in our homes, workplaces, and public spaces today, WiFi has transformed how we live, work, and play. In this exploration of WiFi development, let us look into its evolution, impact, and the endless possibilities it continues to unlock in our increasingly interconnected world.

Stage

Description

Impact

Ethernet Cable Era

Limited internet access due to reliance on fixed cables.

Confined users to specific locations.

Wireless Broadband WiFi

Introduction of WiFi as a bridge between wired connections and wireless devices.

Pioneered a new era of mobile internet access.

IEEE Standardization

Categorisation of WiFi standards by the IEEE (e.g., 802.11b becomes WiFi 5, 802.11ax becomes WiFi 6).

Ensured compatibility and development of future advancements (WiFi 6 promises faster speeds).

What is WiFi 6 Technology?

The newest wireless technology version that supports our WiFi connections is called WiFi 6, or 802.11ax. With increased wireless communication speed, capacity, and efficiency, it is a major improvement over its predecessors. Using both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, it focuses on enhancing fiber internet connectivity, particularly in high-density places like corporate offices and residential complexes.

WiFi 6 Features and Benefits

WiFi 6 offers a spectrum of features that boost speed, capacity, range, and overall network performance.

Feature

Benefit

Wi-Fi 6 Max Speed

Significantly faster data rates for downloads and streaming.

Amplified Capacity

Handles more connected devices simultaneously using OFDMA and BSS colouring.

Extended Range

Improves battery life and network efficiency with Target Wake Time (TWT).

Enhanced MU-MIMO

Enables routers to communicate with multiple devices at once for faster data exchange.

Performance in Crowded Environments

Delivers reliable connection in busy spaces with many devices (smart homes, offices, public spaces).

How Does WiFi 6 Work?

WiFi 6 integrates a range of established wireless techniques, marking a substantial leap forward. It upholds backward compatibility, ensuring seamless connections with earlier-generation devices. With 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), WiFi 6 achieves a notable 40% increase in output. Thus, it elevates the efficiency of data transmission. The WiFi 6 standard combines familiar wireless techniques to bring about significant advancements compared to its predecessors. It prioritises backward compatibility, enabling WiFi 6 routers to connect with devices from earlier generations effortlessly.

The new fiber internet standard introduces 1024 QAM, increasing throughput by 40% for more efficient data transmission. Unlike WiFi 5 Wave 2, which allows four simultaneous streams, WiFi 6 accommodates eight, boosting overall capacity and performance.

Difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 5

Physical Parameters

WiFi 6 (802.11ax)

WiFi 5 (802.11ac)

Performance

Delivers improved efficiency, network volume, and overall performance. It supports eight concurrent data streams, enhancing data transmission capabilities.

Supports a maximum of four simultaneous streams.

Converge WiFi 6 (Range and connectivity)

While it provides enhanced efficiency, the range may be relatively shorter compared to WiFi 5.

Offers a longer range.

Channel bandwidths (MHz)

20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160

20, 40, 80+80, 160

FFT sizes

256, 512, 1024, 2048

64, 128, 256, 512

Frequency bands (GHz)

2.4, 5, 6 (reported)

5

Subcarrier spacing (KHz)

321.5

78.125

Highest modulation scheme

1024 QAM

256 QAM

OFDM Symbol duration

32 µs

12.8 µs

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wi-Fi 6 Standards

Like any technological advancement, WiFi 6 has advantages and disadvantages that merit careful consideration. In this exploration, we delve into the intricacies of WiFi 6 standards, examining their potential benefits and drawbacks to understand their comprehensive impact on connectivity and user experience.

Feature

Advantages

Disadvantages

Speed

Offers significantly faster data transfer rates compared to Wi-Fi 5 (up to 4x)

Requires compatible devices to experience the full-speed boost.

Efficiency

Improves network efficiency, especially in congested environments with many devices.

It may not be as noticeable an improvement in homes with few connected devices.

Capacity

Supports more connected devices simultaneously without compromising performance.

Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 router needed to reap the benefits of increased capacity.

Latency

Reduces lag and improves responsiveness for real-time applications (gaming, video calls).

Existing internet plan speeds may still limit overall latency experienced by users.

Security

Includes the latest WPA3 security protocol for enhanced network protection.

It may not be a significant upgrade from WPA2 security for most home users.

Battery Life

Improved power efficiency for compatible devices, extending battery life.

Not all devices will show significant improvements in battery life.

Backward Compatibility

WiFi 6 is backwards compatible. This means a WiFi 6 router can work with devices that support earlier versions of WiFi, including 802.11 ac/n/g/b/a.

However, both the router and the device need to support WiFi 6 to fully benefit from its features

Cost

-

WiFi 6 routers are generally more expensive than Wi-Fi 5 routers.

Connectivity Range

-

Similar connectivity range to Wi-Fi 5 routers; extenders may still be needed for large homes. It may not eliminate dead zones entirely, especially in large or multi-story houses.

Bottomline

WiFi's journey peaks with WiFi 6, built for our device-filled world. Wifi 6 offers faster speeds, handles more devices, and extends its range, making it ideal for crowded spaces. While powerful, WiFi 6 may involve installation and device upgrade costs. End-users need to comprehend the differences between WiFi standards. This can be done by considering the continued prominence of fiber connections and the impending omnipresence of IoT devices.

Tata Play Fiber stands out in this digital age, offering top-notch broadband deals with unlimited internet plans and unique home WiFi plans, ensuring a seamless and efficient digital future. Explore our options and harness the power of WiFi 6 for a seamless and efficient digital future. WiFi 6 isn't just a step forward; WiFi 6 means a leap toward a more connected future.

What Is WiFi 6: Pros, Cons, And Recommendations (2024)

FAQs

What Is WiFi 6: Pros, Cons, And Recommendations? ›

WiFi 6 offers a spectrum of features that boost speed, capacity, range, and overall network performance. Significantly faster data rates for downloads and streaming. Handles more connected devices simultaneously using OFDMA and BSS colouring. Improves battery life and network efficiency with Target Wake Time (TWT).

What is WiFi 6 and do I need it? ›

Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent iteration of the Wi-Fi network protocol and is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. Wi-Fi 6 can be faster due to technologies like traffic prioritization, OFDMA, and beamforming. This new protocol is also more secure and uses new encryption technologies such as SAE.

Is it worth getting a WiFi 6 router? ›

Faster Speeds and Longer Range

At the same time, WiFi 6 operates with up to 75% less latency than WiFi 5. This is massively beneficial and is probably why many users upgrade their setup to WiFi 6. WiFi 6 offers better coverage and range, meaning your network can reach more areas in your home or office.

What is the big deal with WiFi 6? ›

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest wireless standard, designed to improve the current WiFi standard, 802.11ac. Key benefits of WiFi 6 over previous standards like WiFi 5 (802.11ac) include 4x connected capacity, increased data throughput, and faster speeds, resulting in improved performance.

What are the pros and cons of WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6? ›

WiFi 6 provides the fastest real-world speeds and range

WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 carry the highest number of streams, thus allowing for gigabit WiFi speeds. WiFi 6 increases the number of streams to a new high of 12 across the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, whereas WiFi 5 has a limit of 8 in a dual band configuration.

Is there a downside to WiFi 6? ›

With more WiFi 6 devices hitting the market, users can expect a superior wireless experience. Still, the high cost of WiFi 6 routers and limited compatibility with older devices are drawbacks that need consideration before upgrading.

Can old devices connect to WiFi 6? ›

WiFi 6 routers are 100% backwards compatible with WiFi 5 and older WiFi devices.

Does Wi-Fi 6 go through walls better? ›

Distance from the router

If the device you're using, the Wi-Fi 6, has a bigger distance from the router, Wi-Fi 6 will find it difficult to penetrate the walls better. Hence, you should minimize the distance between the device and the router to ensure faster signals.

Do you need a new modem for Wi-Fi 6? ›

The Wi-Fi 6 only pertains to your router so you wouldn't need anything else Wi-Fi 6. In your case, your modem would be based on your internet service provider. Any modem would work whether it is a DSL or Cable or Fiber as the modem will have an Ethernet cable from it, and that will connect to the WAN of the router.

Is Wi-Fi 6 hackable? ›

Wi-Fi 6's WPA3 security protocol has more advanced data encryption than WPA2, which is one of many ways to prevent router hacking.

How many devices can you have on Wi-Fi 6? ›

In Wi-Fi 6, 8×8 MU MIMO technology is used. This can handle up to eight devices connected and actively using the wireless LAN without any interference.

What devices benefit from Wi-Fi 6? ›

Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Devices
  • iPhone 11/12/13/14/15 series.
  • HUAWEI P40/P50/P60 series, HUAWEI mate 40/50/60 series.
  • XIAOMI 10/11/12/13/14 series.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23 series, Galaxy Note 10/20 series.
  • OnePlus 8/9 series.
  • Google Pixel 6/7.

What is better than Wi-Fi 6? ›

WiFi 6E is an upgraded version of WiFi 6 and uses an extended implementation of 802.11ax. It operates on a more powerful wireless spectrum, the 6 GHz (gigahertz) radio-frequency band. This type of broadband internet delivers much faster speeds with less signal interference.

Is WiFi 6 outdated? ›

WiFi 6 is newer and faster and was first released in 2019. Your home network will determine the precise difference, but more often than not, WiFi 6 is substantially faster than WiFi 5.

How to know if a router is WiFi 6? ›

For the Wi-Fi network you're connected to, select Properties next to the Wi-Fi network name. On the Wi-Fi network screen, look at the value next to Protocol. It will say Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) if you're connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network.

Does WiFi 6 work on 2.4 GHz? ›

Only devices that support WiFi 6E can connect to the 6 GHz WiFi, devices that only support WiFi 6 can only use 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi.

Does WiFi 6 penetrate walls better? ›

6 GHz has horrible object penetration, limiting usefulness to the same room or perhaps to an adjacent room. It is not a whole-house technology unless you have a MESH setup or multiple access points. 5 GHz is better, and can usually penetrate several drywall clad rooms before becoming unusable.

Do my devices need to be WiFi 6 compatible? ›

Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with any Wi-Fi device that supports earlier versions of 802.11 ac/n/g/b/a. Devices that do not support Wi-Fi 6 may still connect but will not experience performance gains.

What devices benefit from WiFi 6? ›

Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Devices
  • iPhone 11/12/13/14/15 series.
  • HUAWEI P40/P50/P60 series, HUAWEI mate 40/50/60 series.
  • XIAOMI 10/11/12/13/14 series.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23 series, Galaxy Note 10/20 series.
  • OnePlus 8/9 series.
  • Google Pixel 6/7.

Is WiFi 6 better than 5G? ›

In the debate of 5G vs WiFi 6, both offer unique advantages. 5G provides broader geographic coverage and low latency, making it ideal for real-time applications. On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6, operating over an unlicensed spectrum, offers high-speed connectivity and supports multiple devices in high-density environments.

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