The new generation of Wi-Fi 6 is arriving on the scene and is set to make a big difference to our experience of using Wi-Fi at home – and it’s not just about faster speeds, there is a lot more to this system.
While it will be faster – around 9.6Gbps – the real impact is the way the new Wi-Fi 6 system will function. This new Wi-Fi system doesn’t need to use that 9.6 Gbps for one single device that is connected.
It has the ability to split that capacity across all the devices that you have connected to Wi-Fi, meaning better speed of connection for every device in the house or office and with our increasing multi-use of networks, this is great news.
The structure of Wi-Fi 6 means it can boost the whole network’s performance, even when a whole host of devices are connected. So, your laptop won’t slow down when someone else starts streaming Netflix, and another household member is downloading music.
Every device that’s added to current Wi-Fi networks takes its toll as existing routers can only talk to a certain amount of devices. Adding more and more makes your Wi-Fi network slow down, but not with Wi-Fi 6.
The structure of Wi-Fi 6 includes new technology which helps routers communicate with multiple devices at the same time, send data to all those devices at once and keep the connections strong for each device simultaneously.
Initially, Wi-Fi 6 networks won’t be particularly fast. If you just connect one Wi-Fi 6 laptop to your Wi-Fi 6 router, it won’t really be any different to connecting your Wi-Fi 5 laptop to your Wi-Fi 5 router.
It does sound a bit tricky and we’re lucky to have the expert opinion of Tim - a freelance writer for Calix.com, to help us navigate this new territory. Tim sat down with us and answered some of the burning questions we have about Wi-Fi 6 systems.
Should I go out and buy brand new devices?
The key device you will need to set up a Wi-Fi 6 system in your house or office is a new Wi-Fi 6 router as this is the only way to benefit from the new system.
Devices such as laptops and mobile phones will start to come with Wi-Fi 6 built in, so as you replace your equipment, you will automatically be getting the upgrades, but you won’t see the benefit unless you have a Wi-Fi 6 router for them to work through.
If you just have a single laptop connected to your router, you are unlikely to notice a huge difference, but in a house or office with a whole host of devices being used at the same time, the difference will be very clear, quickly.
What makes it so different?
Wi-Fi 6 makes use of two technologies to help improve the connections available, which are known as MU-MIMO and OFDMA. MU-MIMO means multi-user, multiple input, multiple output which allows routers to connect with up to four different internet devices at a time, but Wi-Fi 6 enables this facility for eight devices.
OFDMA stands for “orthogonal frequency division multiple access,” allows the router to deliver data to multiple devices at the same time, making it a lot more efficient and effective when working across numerous devices.
What other features does a Wi-Fi 6 system have?
The system has a particular feature which can help to reduce battery use in your devices, particularly for those which are not used much during the day, by planning when it communicates with them.
It also helps to improve security for your devices. The WPA3 security protocol was introduced fairly recently to make it harder for hackers, but its still optional for current devices.
All Wi-Fi 6 devices and routers have to include this stronger security to get certified so they will provide a stronger level of security and protection for your personal data and information.
When can I get a Wi-Fi 6 system?
It is still relatively early days for this new system and structure but you can buy the routers although they are still currently pricey. There are some devices available which support it already but it will take time to become ingrained in the marketplace, like any new product.
Wi-Fi 6 system structures and features will make it much easier for homes and businesses to operate networks of devices, with much faster and more reliable signals, which is great news for everyone working remotely, or even just for families with devices in every room.
Look out for the new routers and while it won’t be cost effective or necessary to suddenly replace all your devices with the new technology, just being aware of it as and when you upgrade systems and items, will make a big difference.
From extra speed, better bandwidth, ability to communicate with multiple devices, and not to mention better security and more efficient data processing, Wi-Fi 6 really is a significant upgrade and improvement to the way we all connect to the internet and needs to be recognised as such.
