WiFi 6E | What is it and what are the benefits?
WiFi 6E is the latest evolution of the WiFi technology that promises to offer faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity compared to its predecessors. This new technology is an extension of the existing WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard and operates in the 6 GHz frequency band, hence the name 6E. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what WiFi 6E is, how it works, and what benefits it offers.
What is WiFi 6E?
WiFi 6E is the latest iteration of the WiFi technology that operates in the 6 GHz frequency band. It is an extension of the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard and was introduced to address the increasing demand for wireless bandwidth and the need for higher data rates. WiFi 6E supports wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) and more spatial streams (up to 8) compared to WiFi 6. It also uses advanced technologies like Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO), and Target Wake Time (TWT) to improve network efficiency and reduce latency.
How does WiFi 6E work?
WiFi 6E works by leveraging the 6 GHz frequency band, which is relatively unoccupied compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands used by previous WiFi standards. This allows for more bandwidth and less interference, leading to faster speeds and better performance. WiFi 6E uses wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) and more spatial streams (up to 8) to increase data rates and support more devices simultaneously. OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies further improve network efficiency by allowing multiple devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously. TWT technology reduces power consumption by enabling devices to schedule their wake-up times, reducing the need for constant polling by the access point.
What are the benefits of WiFi 6E?
- Faster speeds
WiFi 6E offers faster speeds compared to previous WiFi standards, with data rates of up to 9.6 Gbps (compared to 3.5 Gbps for WiFi 6). This is achieved through the use of wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) and more spatial streams (up to 8), allowing for more data to be transmitted simultaneously.
- Lower latency
WiFi 6E reduces latency by using technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which allow multiple devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously. This reduces the time each device has to wait for its turn to transmit, leading to lower latency and better performance.
- Increased capacity
WiFi 6E supports more devices simultaneously compared to previous WiFi standards, thanks to the wider channel bandwidths and more spatial streams. This is particularly useful in environments with a high density of devices, like crowded public places or large office buildings.
- Better coverage
WiFi 6E uses the 6 GHz frequency band, which is less congested and less prone to interference compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by previous WiFi standards. This allows for better coverage and more reliable connections, particularly in areas with a high concentration of wireless devices.
- Improved battery life
WiFi 6E uses TWT technology to reduce power consumption by enabling devices to schedule their wake-up times, reducing the need for constant polling by the access point. This can lead to significant improvements in battery life, particularly for devices like smartphones and tablets.
- Future-proofing
WiFi 6E is a relatively new technology that is expected to become more widespread in the coming years. By investing in WiFi 6E equipment now, businesses and consumers can future-proof their networks and ensure they are ready to take advantage of the benefits of this new technology as it becomes more widely available.
- Improved security
WiFi 6E also includes improved security features, including WPA3 encryption, which provides better protection against unauthorized access and attacks on the network. This is particularly important as the number of connected devices increases, and the risk of cyber-attacks grows.
Who can benefit from WiFi 6E?
WiFi 6E is particularly useful for environments with a high concentration of wireless devices, such as public places, large offices, and residential areas. Businesses that rely on wireless networks, such as retailers, hospitality, and healthcare, can benefit from the increased capacity and improved performance of WiFi 6E. Consumers can also benefit from faster speeds, lower latency, and improved coverage in their homes, particularly as the number of connected devices continues to grow.
How can I get WiFi 6E?
To take advantage of WiFi 6E, you need compatible equipment, including wifi 6e routers, access points, and client devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. While WiFi 6E is still a relatively new technology, more devices are expected to become available in the coming months and years. Some of the early adopters of WiFi 6E technology include Samsung, Netgear, and Asus.
TLDR;
WiFi 6E is the latest evolution of the WiFi technology that promises to offer faster speeds, lower latency, increased capacity, better coverage, improved battery life, future-proofing, and improved security. By using the 6 GHz frequency band, WiFi 6E can provide more bandwidth and less interference, leading to better performance and more reliable connections. While WiFi 6E is still a relatively new technology, it is expected to become more widespread in the coming years, and businesses and consumers can benefit from its advantages by investing in compatible equipment now.