WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6: Why organisations should upgrade

The advent of WiFi 6 allows organisations to enhance their network performance significantly.

WiFi technology has rapidly evolved to meet the increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet connections. This blog will delve into the differences between WiFi 5 and WiFi 6, explain why WiFi 6 is quicker, and discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with upgrading.

Additionally, we will explore the differences between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in wireless technology. With an eye to the future, we'll also touch on WiFi 7 and WiFi 8.

Understanding WiFi 5 and WiFi 6

WiFi 5, also known as 802.11ac, significantly improved over its predecessor, WiFi 4 (802.11n), by introducing wider channels, more spatial streams, and higher data rates. WiFi 5 operates primarily in the 5 GHz band and can achieve maximum theoretical speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps under ideal conditions. However, real-world performance is often limited by congestion, interference, and the number of connected devices.

WiFi 6, or 802.11ax, builds upon the foundation laid by WiFi 5 but introduces several vital enhancements that address these limitations. WiFi 6 operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and offers maximum theoretical speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps. The improvements in WiFi 6 are not just about speed; they focus on efficiency, capacity, and performance in dense environments.

Why WiFi 6 is faster

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA): One of the standout features of WiFi 6 is OFDMA, which allows multiple devices to share a channel simultaneously. This reduces latency and improves efficiency, particularly in environments with a high density of devices.

1024-QAM: WiFi 6 supports 1024-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), which increases the data rate by 25% compared to the 256-QAM used in WiFi 5. This allows more data to be transmitted in the same amount of spectrum.

Target Wake Time (TWT): TWT is a power-saving feature that schedules communication between the router and devices, reducing the time devices spend with their radios on. This extends battery life and reduces congestion.

Improved MIMO: WiFi 6 enhances Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology, allowing more simultaneous data streams to multiple devices. This significantly boosts network capacity and performance in busy environments.

Benefits of upgrading to WiFi 6

Higher Efficiency and Capacity: With features like OFDMA and improved MU-MIMO, WiFi 6 can handle more devices simultaneously without compromising performance. This is crucial for organisations with numerous connected devices, such as offices, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Enhanced Security: WiFi 6 supports WPA3, the latest security protocol, which offers stronger encryption and improved protection against brute-force attacks. This is particularly important for organisations handling sensitive data.

Future-Proofing: Upgrading to WiFi 6 ensures that organisations are prepared for future technological advancements and increasing network demands. As IoT devices and applications requiring high bandwidth become more prevalent, WiFi 6 provides the necessary infrastructure.

Challenges and considerations in upgrading

Cost: Upgrading to WiFi 6 requires new hardware, including routers and access points, which can be a significant investment. Organisations must weigh the costs against the potential benefits and long-term savings.

Compatibility: While WiFi 6 is backwards compatible with previous standards, older devices can only partially take advantage of the new features. Organisations may need to upgrade their device fleet to fully benefit from WiFi 6.

Infrastructure Upgrades: In some cases, upgrading to WiFi 6 might require additional infrastructure changes, such as improved cabling and network configurations. This can add to the complexity and cost of the upgrade.

WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 6E: Expanding the spectrum

Wi-Fi 6E was released in 2020, just a year after the introduction of Wi-Fi 6. However, it was not until 2021 that the first Wi-Fi 6E routers and devices became available. WiFi 6E is an extension of WiFi 6 that operates in the 6 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This additional spectrum provides several benefits:

Reduced Congestion: The 6 GHz band offers more non-overlapping channels, reducing interference and congestion. This is particularly beneficial in dense urban environments and large venues where many devices compete for limited bandwidth.

Higher Capacity: With the additional spectrum, WiFi 6E can support more devices with higher data rates. This is ideal for high bandwidth applications like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 4K video streaming.

WiFi 6E's use of the 6 GHz band is a significant leap forward, providing ample bandwidth for emerging technologies and high-demand applications. Organisations that adopt WiFi 6E can expect even greater performance improvements, future-proofing their networks for the next wave of wireless innovation. However, it is essential to note that WiFi 6E requires compatible devices and infrastructure, which may involve additional investments and considerations.

Summary of WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6(6e)

The transition from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 represents a substantial upgrade in wireless technology, offering faster speeds, improved efficiency, and greater capacity. While the initial investment and potential compatibility issues pose challenges, the long-term benefits make WiFi 6 a compelling choice for organisations looking to enhance their network performance.

Furthermore, WiFi 6E promises even more significant advancements, ensuring that wireless networks can keep pace with the growing demands of modern applications and devices. Organisations should carefully evaluate their current and future needs to make informed decisions about upgrading to WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E.