What is WiFi 6?

Biz Tech Tips archive, episode 56

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What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 is the newest generation of WiFi-enabled devices. Previous generations weren't known by easy-to-understand names and were referred to by their version number. Since the generation name isn't mandatory, there is a big push to call it WiFi 6 rather than WiFi 802.11ax. It'll probably be noted on boxes that way too, rather than needing to dig through spec sheets like you would've had to previously.

What changes come with WiFi 6?

The biggest change will be its ability to handle dense, device rich environments. WiFi 6 will have between 3 and 100x the throughput, which means it can process data 3-100x more quickly.

Single devices might see an improvement, but it won't be huge compared to WiFi 5.

WiFi 6 will help future-proof WiFi as the average household currently has 9 Internet-connected devices, and it's expected to hit 50 in the not-too-distant future as the Internet of Things starts spreading more and more. For businesses and public areas offering WiFi, it will be huge and necessary.

And, on top of all of that, the battery life of devices connected to WiFi 6 will be significantly improved.

To carry the WiFi 6 certification, devices will need to support WPA3 as well, which is a security protocol that will make it more difficult to have your password cracked. WPA3 is already out, just not widespread.

How can you get WiFi 6?

You will need both a WiFi 6 router, as well as a WiFi 6 device (cell phone, laptop, etc).

The earliest WiFi 6 enabled routers, laptops, and cell phones are already out, they're just not widespread, and they tend to be quite a bit more costly.

Since you need both the router and device to be WiFi 6 capable, unless you're personally aiming to achieve WiFi 6, it probably will still be another couple years before its mainstream.