The new wireless connection standard is now a reality. With Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 promises faster connections, greater range, and lower power consumption, as well as other advantages over its predecessor.
The Wi-Fi Alliance has created a new nomenclature that certifies that the Wi-Fi 802.11ax standard is equivalent to Wi-Fi 6. Let’s take a look at everything you should know about this technology.
WiFi 6 vs WiFi 5
WiFi 6 is a new wireless transmission standard that enhances WiFi 6 in some ways. As more equipment supports 802.11ax Wi-Fi, you’ll start to see more routers that support this standard. The most notable differences are that WiFi 5 only supports 5 GHz bands and lacks the new technologies found in the new WiFi 6 standard.
As you’ll see below, the WiFi 6 standard is the way of the future, with a number of enhancements that make it the best wireless Internet connection technology available.
WiFi 6 Advantages
In terms of the benefits provided by this new standard, it should be noted that WiFi 6 technology manages the connection of multiple devices more efficiently thanks to the use of technologies such as OFDMA (which allows a single router to provide Internet to multiple devices on the same channel) and MU-MIMO (which was present in WiFi 5).
Color BSS also helps WiFi 6 avoid interference by increasing efficiency (Base Service Station). It also has better speed and range, as well as the ability to operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands (WiFi 5 only supported 5 GHz), allowing you to connect to the one that best suits your needs.
It also improves the autonomy of your devices connected to the WiFi 6 network, as well as being backwards compatible with previous networks so you don’t have to switch routers. One of its main advantages is that it will be noticeable when you connect to the Internet outside of your home. Mostly because it improves speed in congested areas significantly.
If you connect in an airport, for example, you already know that the connection is usually very limited because there are too many devices connected. However, WiFi 6’s ability to alternate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, as well as the fact that it can connect multiple devices and technologies to the same channel, makes it an ideal product for public organizations, stadiums… Finally, the low latency and high connection speed of WiFi 6 will be your best ally if you plan to use your network for streaming services, IoT, or augmented reality.
As you can see, the new Wi-Fi 6 standard incorporates a number of enhancements that make it one of the best technologies on the market for ensuring an uninterrupted Internet connection. And, with more routers becoming compatible with this format, it’s the best investment you can make.
