How does WiFi 6 tackle network congestion in crowded areas?

1 OFDMA Use

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is a game-changer for managing network congestion. It works by splitting WiFi channels into smaller sub-channels. This allows multiple devices to share the same channel without waiting for their turn, which minimizes lag and improves throughput. Imagine a highway with more lanes; OFDMA effectively adds lanes to the WiFi highway, allowing more devices to communicate simultaneously without causing traffic jams.

2 MU-MIMO Tech

Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology allows a WiFi router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time. Unlike previous WiFi generations that served one device at a time, WiFi 6's MU-MIMO can handle data for up to eight devices in one go. This means your device gets its data faster because it doesn't have to wait in line as long, reducing the time each device spends waiting for a signal and speeding up the network for everyone.

3 BSS Coloring

Basic Service Set (BSS) Coloring is a feature that helps reduce interference from nearby networks, which is particularly beneficial in crowded areas with many overlapping WiFi networks. It tags data packets with a "color" so your router can differentiate between your network's traffic and neighboring traffic. This reduces the likelihood of your device mistakenly waiting because it thinks the channel is occupied, allowing for more efficient use of available channels.

4 Target Wake Time

Target Wake Time (TWT) is a power-saving feature that also contributes to reducing congestion. It schedules when devices should wake up and communicate with the router, which means your devices can stay in a low-power sleep state longer. Not only does this save battery life, but it also reduces the airtime demand since devices are only actively communicating during their scheduled times, leaving more room for others to use the network.

5 1024-QAM Upgrade

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) is a method used to transmit data by changing the phase and amplitude of a carrier wave. WiFi 6 uses 1024-QAM, which allows for the transmission of 10 bits per symbol, compared to 256-QAM used in WiFi 5 that transmits 8 bits per symbol. This bump in data-carrying capacity means more information can be sent with each transmission, increasing overall network efficiency and reducing congestion.

6 Spatial Frequency

Spatial Frequency Reuse is another technique that enables WiFi 6 to combat network congestion. By allowing devices to use different frequencies within the same space, it reduces signal interference. This is akin to having conversations in different languages in the same room without understanding each other; devices can transmit data on the same channel without causing confusion, making better use of the available spectrum and improving network capacity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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