Wi-Fi 6 is a fast wireless LAN technology. It makes networked devices work better in crowded places. Learn how it works, its speed, and its benefits over older versions.
Wi-Fi 6 is the 6th generation of wireless local area networking technology. It aligns with the IEEE 802.11ax standards. This technology helps devices work well even in crowded conditions.
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What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi, short for wireless fidelity, was created in 1997. It was trademarked by the Wi-Fi AllianceOpens a new window . It's a wireless network that lets many devices share one internet connection.
Wi-Fi is based on the IEEE 802.11 network standardOpens a new window . Over the years, it has evolved to become Wi-Fi 6, the latest version.
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the newest wireless networking version. It allows many devices to connect to one router or internet source. This version controls power better and can handle more data.
Wi-Fi 6 works on the same frequencies as Wi-Fi 5, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. But, it uses the channels better. This makes it a big improvement over Wi-Fi 5, even if the changes are small to users.
Wi-Fi 6’s Improved Frequency Division
Wi-Fi 6 offers about four times better wireless performance in crowded areas. This is thanks to better directional antennas and Multiple-in Multiple-out (MIMO) technology. Unlike Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 doesn't let devices fail to connect due to too many frequencies.
As more devices connect to the Internet of Things, Wi-Fi 6 helps avoid electromagnetic disturbances. This is crucial for businesses with growing numbers of devices needing Wi-Fi access.
Wi-Fi 6 boosts efficiency by doubling downstream connections and increasing upstream connections by eight times. It can send four streams to a device at once. It works with current frequencies like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and will also support 1GHz and 6GHz bands in the future.
For the first time, Wi-Fi 6 uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) instead of OFDM. OFDM decentralizes connectivity but can cause severe latency issues.
OFDMA greatly improves Wi-Fi delivery in many ways:
- It makes networks more efficient by reducing latency and improving quality of service in crowded areas.
- It enhances the user experience by providing faster internet for devices like smart TVs and speakers.
- It also helps lower costs for devices and networks, making it easier for businesses to expand their connected infrastructure.
Unlike 5G, which requires a virtual private network (VPN), Wi-Fi 6 is part of a secure local area network (LAN). This means employees don't need to use a VPN to access company apps and data. Wi-Fi 6 also improves network range and speed by increasing transmit beamforming streams to eight.
It uses individual target wake time (TWT) to make devices' batteries last longer and use less power.
See More: How to Make Networks Ready for Cloud-First Era with SD-WAN
How Fast Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is estimated to be 9.6 Gbps, a big jump from Wi-Fi 5's 3.5 Gbps. However, these speeds are "theoretical maximums" and unlikely in real-world use. For example, the typical download speed in the United States is 72 megabits per second.
The 9.6 Gbps maximum bandwidth can be shared among many devices, not just one. Wi-Fi 6 aims to improve network performance for multiple devices, not just individual speeds.
Wi-Fi 6 has features to solve problems with many devices on the same network. It:
- makes it easier for routers to communicate with multiple devices
- lets routers send data to multiple devices at once
- lets Wi-Fi devices set times to check in with the router
These features help keep connections strong and fast, even with more devices asking for data.
Wi-Fi 6 routers, whether they're regular or mesh routers, are made to update devices quickly and smoothly. They can handle data fast, just like the best networks today. Plus, devices stay fast even when the network is busy.
The speed boost comes from two key technologies: MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
- MU-MIMO lets routers talk to up to eight devices at once, up from four with Wi-Fi 5. This means more devices can connect without slowing down the network.
- OFDMA is a big leap from older tech. It lets one transmission send data to many devices at once, making networks more efficient.
See More: What Is a Mesh Network? Meaning, Types Working, and Applications
Top 6 Features of Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 brings new features that change how we use the internet. It offers faster speeds, lower delays, and lets more devices connect at once. Here are the main features that make these improvements possible:
Features of Wi-Fi 6
1. Target Wait Time (TWT)
TWT lets devices and access points plan when to connect. This means devices can turn off their radios when not in use. It's great for IoT devices that don't need to be always connected.
TWT helps save power and prevents network jams. It lets devices sleep longer, saving battery life.
2. Basic Service Set (BSS) Coloring
BSS Coloring is for crowded networks. It lets many access points use the same channel without getting in each other's way. Each access point can assign a color to its network, making it easier to manage.
3. 1024-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) mode
Wi-Fi 6 uses a new modulation scheme called 1024-QAM. It packs more data into each transmission, boosting speeds by 25%. This is especially useful in crowded areas where keeping connections strong is key.
4. Multiple-User, Multiple-In, Multiple-Out (MU-MIMO) and Transmit Beamforming
MU-MIMO and Transmit Beamforming send data to multiple devices at once. This was introduced in earlier Wi-Fi versions but is now standardized. It helps manage more devices without slowing down the network.
5. Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
WPA3 controls how you connect to a password-protected Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi 6 supports WPA3, making user privacy better in open networks. It:
- simplifies setting up security for devices without screens.
- adds more protection for government and industrial needs.
- improves security in personal networks, with better password encryption and defense against brute-force attacks .
6. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
OFDMA boosts network capacity and reduces congestion and delay. It's great for industries needing fast connections, like automation and VoIP. This system splits Wi-Fi into smaller parts for different users to send data at the same time.
See More: What Is Network Management? Definition, Key Components, and Best Practices
Top 6 Benefits of Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 brings many advantages, like better worker safety and more IoT connections. It's faster, more reliable, and secure. Its benefits include:
Benefits of Wi-Fi 6
1. Improved security
Wireless networks now use WPA3's new features for better security. This is a big step up from older Wi-Fi standards. WPA3 is required for Wi-Fi 6, making networks more secure. It's especially good for sites with IoT devices.
2. Increased battery life
Wi-Fi 6 helps devices use less power when not in use. This means other devices can use the bandwidth.
Industries need better security, connection, and efficiency. Wi-Fi 6's low power use is key for tiny IoT sensors. These devices rely on Wi-Fi 6's power efficiency, thanks to Target Wake Time (TWT). TWT lets IoT and mobile devices save battery by waking up less often to get data.
3. High speed, even when congested
Wi-Fi 6 keeps speeds high, even with more devices. It uses OFDMA to share the load. This lets one Access Point talk to many devices at once.
Wi-Fi 6 changes how devices communicate. It uses smaller channels for lower-bandwidth tasks. This means better performance in crowded areas and less competition for bandwidth.
4. Increasing access point capacity in support of IoT and mobile devices
Today, access points and network access control are not just for one workstation. People now have a desktop, smartphone, and maybe more. With more employees, there will be more devices like sensors and scanners.
With a growing workforce, the number of sensor nodes, scanning devices, and other equipment would continue to rise.
This means we need devices that work well without lag. Wi-Fi 6 helps with this. It supports up to 8×8:8 antennas, which is more than before. This lets more devices talk at once, making things faster and smoother.
5. Beams focused on speed and dependability
Wi-Fi 6 can focus its signal on devices for better performance. This is called beamforming. It makes connections more reliable and fast.
6. 8×8 spatial streams for concurrent usage
Wi-Fi vendors are now making products with 8×8 and 4×4 spatial streams. This is key for Wi-Fi performance. Smaller devices might only support 2×2, but a Wi-Fi 6 router with 8×8 can handle more devices at once.
Wi-Fi 6 is faster and can handle more devices than before. It uses 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation, which is more than Wi-Fi 5. This is why it's so much better.
See More: Wide Area Network (WAN) vs. Local Area Network (LAN): Key Differences and Similarities
Considerations when Deploying Wi-Fi 6
Choosing Wi-Fi 6 for better internet is a big decision. You need a good plan to get the most out of it.
There are important things to think about when considering Wi-Fi 6.
- It's great for busy networks because it offers fast speeds. Is your network too crowded? Do people complain about slow service? Then, Wi-Fi 6 is a good choice.
- It's easy to rush into new tech without thinking. But Wi-Fi 6 works with older devices too. It's backward compatible, so older devices will still work well.
Also, think about its use for IoT and better network security. But, like any tech, Wi-Fi 6 has its challenges. It might not be as fast outside your network. Your internet service provider (ISP) still controls speeds for cloud services.
Lastly, older devices might not get all the new features. Wi-Fi 6 works with older standards, but unsupported devices won't get the full benefits. They won't get features like better battery life or Wi-Fi "sleeping".
See More: What Is Network Hardware? Definition, Architecture, Challenges, and Best Practices
Takeaway
Wi-Fi 6 is a big step up from older wireless LANs. Its use will increase in the coming years. Deloitte Global says more Wi-Fi 6 devices will be sold in 2022 than 5th generation or 5G devices.
IT pros can use Wi-Fi 6 to boost their networks. It's great for smart devices, edge equipment, and augmented and virtual reality.
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