Everything You Need to Know About Wi-Fi 6

Thu, Mar 24, 2022 5:53 PM

If your life is moving at the speed of sound, so should your WiFi. WiFi 6, the next generation of wireless internet, offers improved speed, reliability, security, and power efficiency. Isn't it too good to be true? We gathered all you need to know as your trusted internet provider since we've got your six – and that includes your WiFi 6.

What exactly is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 (also known as AX WiFi or 802.11ax WiFi in the technical world) is the sixth and latest version of wireless internet. It still connects you to the network you know and trust, but with a lot more features, because your WiFi should change with you.

What Is WiFi 6 and How Does It Work?

WiFi 6 has a lot of new features, like a shiny new toy. To go more technical, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is a method that divides each of the available channels on a given access point (AP), resulting in increased stability and coverage. WiFi 6 also supports MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology, which allows every AP to handle traffic from up to eight users at once, allowing for more devices to connect. Talk about a time saver.

Related: What's the Difference Between Wi‑Fi Data and Cellular Data?

What Are WiFi 6's Advantages?

Less Power Consumption

WiFi 6 improves performance while lowering power consumption with target wake time (TWT), which allows devices to send and receive data less frequently. This extends the device's sleep time and extends its battery life. Additional advantages are also on the horizon, as WiFi 6 adoption grows.

Speed

WiFi 6 can transport data at up to 9.6 gigabits per second (gbps), which is three times faster than WiFi 5. That is lab-tested top-of-the-line capability. The most important thing to remember in your house is that, unlike the previous generation of WiFi, speeds up to 1 GB (the most popular high-end service offered by most ISPs) should not be a problem for your wireless network.

It changes the system intervals from 80 to 160 megahertz (MHz), doubling the channel width and allowing for a speedier connection, resulting in crisper signals. (That is, there will be less buffering and connectivity troubles when you are watching your favorite show.) It also uses Base Service Station (BSS) Color to indicate frames from nearby networks, which is designed to emphasize excellent connections in areas with thousands of connected devices (think: arenas, music halls, or anywhere your WiFi gets a little spotty).

Related: What Is WiFi Isolation: Lock Down Your Wi-Fi Network

What Is the Best Way to Get WiFi 6?

This is when we enter the picture! WiFi 6 compatibility is expected on modern computers, tablets, and smartphones, but you'll also need a new router or wireless mesh system. This provides a central hub with smaller access points strategically positioned throughout your home, ensuring consistent network coverage.

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