What are the key differences and similarities between WLAN and Wi-Fi 6?

1 What is WLAN?

WLAN stands for wireless local area network, and it refers to a network that connects devices using radio waves instead of cables. A WLAN typically consists of one or more access points (APs) that provide wireless coverage to a certain area, and various clients (such as laptops, smartphones, or printers) that communicate with the APs. A WLAN can be configured in different ways, such as using a central controller, a mesh topology, or a distributed architecture.

2 What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology and the successor of Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It offers significant improvements in terms of speed, capacity, efficiency, and reliability. OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) allows multiple devices to share the same channel and reduce interference and latency. MU-MIMO (multi-user multiple input multiple output) enables multiple devices to send and receive data simultaneously on the same AP. BSS coloring assigns different colors to different networks to avoid co-channel interference, while TWT (target wake time) allows devices to schedule their wake and sleep times for improved battery life.

3 How are WLAN and Wi-Fi 6 different?

WLAN and Wi-Fi 6 are different in the sense that WLAN is a generic term for any wireless network, while Wi-Fi 6 is a specific standard for wireless communication. WLAN can use different technologies and protocols, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi, to transmit data over the air. Wi-Fi 6 is one of the versions of Wi-Fi, which is a subset of WLAN that follows the IEEE 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi 6 is not the only option for WLAN, but it is the most advanced and widely adopted one.

4 How are WLAN and Wi-Fi 6 similar?

WLAN and Wi-Fi 6 are similar in the sense that they both enable wireless connectivity and mobility for devices and users. They both use the same frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and the same basic components (APs and clients) to create a wireless network. They both support security features, such as WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), which provides stronger encryption and authentication for wireless data. They both also support quality of service (QoS) features, such as WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia), which prioritizes different types of traffic (such as voice, video, or data) on the network.

5 Why should you care about WLAN and Wi-Fi 6?

WLAN and Wi-Fi 6 are important for you as they can influence your network performance, security, and compatibility. Understanding their differences and similarities can help you make better decisions about your wireless network design, configuration, and management. For instance, you can choose the most suitable Wi-Fi standard based on your needs and budget. Wi-Fi 6 offers higher speed, capacity, and efficiency but may require more investment in new hardware and software. Additionally, you can optimize your WLAN settings to capitalize on the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 by adjusting your channel width, power level, or AP placement. Moreover, you should ensure your WLAN security by using encryption and authentication methods. You can also monitor your network traffic and activity to detect any unauthorized access or attacks. Finally, maintain your WLAN compatibility by updating your firmware and drivers regularly. Check device specifications and certifications to make sure they support Wi-Fi 6 features and functions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?