What Is Wi-Fi 6 and Why Is It Better?
The Next Generation of Wi-Fi Brings Faster Speeds & Less Crashes
Have you heard of Wi-Fi 6? If you’re like most people, you may have been unaware that there was even a Wi-Fi 5.
Wi-Fi standards are always upgrading, and each new version has its own name. Until recently, wireless standards were referred to by their technical name, like 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). The latest version, 802.11ax, is also known as Wi-Fi 6. It’s the speediest Wi-Fi standard available on the market, letting more devices communicate simultaneously. If you’re tired of slow and unreliable internet, it might be time to trade in your router for Wi-Fi 6.
But what is better about Wi-Fi 6? Is it worth the upgrade? We’ll share what Wi-Fi 6 can provide your home below. And if you’re curious about a home network installation in the Southlake, TX area, contact Texadia Systems here.
SEE ALSO: Learn How to Raise the Bar on Your Home Network
Faster Speeds
Wi-Fi 6 is not only faster than its predecessor, but it’s nearly three times faster! Wi-Fi 6 offers 9.6 gigabits per second. Wi-Fi 5 currently runs on 3.5 Gbps. You’ll likely never need 9.6 Gbps—the typical download speed is 72 Mbps, less than one percent of Wi-Fi 6’s speed. But the 9.6 Gbps is still important. It can be split up across a whole home network to all your devices, so more technology can run quickly at the same time.
Communicates with More Devices
Wi-Fi 6 operates on MU-MIMO technology, which stands for multiple user, multiple input multiple output. That means your router can now send data to several devices in the same broadcast—eight at once. Wi-Fi 5 can currently only handle four devices at a time.
So even if someone is streaming Netflix downstairs, it won’t interrupt your video call. You can connect thermostats, video doorbells, smart lights, and speakers to the Wi-Fi, and it won’t cause a traffic jam.
Superior Security
Wi-Fi 6 routers support WPA3, which is the latest encryption standard. That makes it more difficult for hackers to attempt accessing your data. WPA3 patches up shortcomings in the previous WPA2, like guessing passwords repeatedly until a match is found. WPA3 makes it much harder for hackers to crack off-site.
Longer Battery Life
You’ll also find that your devices live much longer when running on Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 includes a feature called “wake time targets,” which allow periods of downtime between transmissions. Your computers, tablets, phones, and other devices will experience a much longer battery lifespan with these moments of rest.
When a Router Isn’t a Cure-All
Wi-Fi 6 is certainly an improvement to older routers, and you’ll see a smoother and swifter performance on all devices near it. But a single router or modem isn’t always enough to connect large properties. If you find certain floors or areas of your home can’t reach a signal, you might need more networking hardware.
Adding wireless access points across your house should extend Wi-Fi in hard-to-reach rooms. And if you’re still struggling to get all the connection you need, we recommend a hybrid wired and wireless network. We’ll connect essential technology like your work computer or smart TV to the network over Ethernet cables and let the rest of your technology connect over Wi-Fi.
Assembling a home network installation can be a headache. For guidance and assistance in the Southlake area, contact Texadia Systems here. We design and install home networks that our clients can rely on.
