What is Wi-Fi 6 and why you need it!
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology that offers significant improvements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Wi-Fi 6 is designed to provide faster data transfer speeds, increased capacity to handle more devices simultaneously, improved performance in crowded environments, and better power efficiency compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.
Some key features and benefits of Wi-Fi 6 include:
Faster Speeds: Wi-Fi 6 supports higher data rates, allowing for faster wireless connections and better performance, especially in high-demand environments.
Increased Capacity: Wi-Fi 6 can handle more devices at once without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for homes or businesses with multiple connected devices.
Improved Efficiency: Wi-Fi 6 uses advanced technologies like MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) to optimize data transmission and reduce latency.
Better Range: Wi-Fi 6 offers improved coverage and better performance at longer distances, making it more reliable for users throughout their home or office.
Enhanced security: Wi-Fi 6 offers an increased level of Wi-Fi security via WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access Level 3). Previous Wi-Fi security mechanisms have been notoriously easy to hack but WPA3 is far more robust.
Overall, Wi-Fi 6 represents a significant advancement in wireless networking technology, providing users with faster speeds, better performance, and enhanced connectivity and security for the growing number of devices that rely on wireless internet access.
One of the biggest and most difficult challenges when designing a Wi-Fi network, is the use of available channels within the given Wi-Fi spectrum. The 2.4Ghz spectrum only has 3 channels that can be used without overlapping. When channels overlap or clash we get significant interference and a reduction if Wi-Fi efficiency. The 5Ghz band does have more channels available but some clash with Radar and Weather Station frequencies which again limits the number of channels available. However, the 5Ghz band should be more than adequate for most domestic and SME type operations.
The Wi-Fi 7 standard has just been released and early equipment is available. Wi-Fi 7 utilises the new 6Ghz band which opens up all sorts of exciting possibilities - stay tuned for further updates.