WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6

Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation of Wi-Fi. On the surface, it has the same core function – connecting users to the Internet. However, it has upped with several advanced technologies to offer a slew of benefits.

Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 Routers

At first, you might wonder what the hype is all about. After all, a single Wi-Fi 6 router connected to a Wi-Fi 6 laptop only gives a marginal boost in speed compared to a Wi-Fi router five connected to a Wi-Fi laptop 5.

However, the Wi-Fi 6 router's real potential is unlocked once you add more devices to the network. While the Wi-Fi 5 routers will get overwhelmed by a barrage of requests at a certain point, Wi-Fi 6 routers are built to handle several devices simultaneously. They can provide these devices with the required data reliably.

Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 Speed

Wi-Fi 6 is faster than Wi-Fi 5. It extends support to MU-MIMO, improving connection with mobile devices significantly, which in turn speeds up content delivery. According to Intel, Wi-Fi 6 can handle a maximum throughput of 9.6Gbps on different channels, substantially higher than Wi-Fi 5's 3.5 Gbps. It means that a Wi-Fi 6 router should be 250% faster than the existing Wi-Fi 5 devices.

Even if your internet speed remains the same, Wi-Fi 6 will enhance your Wi-Fi data speed to ensure you receive information faster. For instance, a test by Digital Trends on Wi-Fi 6 laptop and router found a 60% increase in speed.

Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 Latency

Wi-Fi 6 offers lower latency than its predecessors. Low latency ensures that delay times for data transfer are minimized. Businesses need low latency to boost load times and prevent issues like disconnects. This lower latency is made possible through orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). Simply put, it makes it more efficient to pack data into a signal.

Wi-Fi-5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 Range

Wi-Fi 5 uses 802.11ac, a standard that only supports the 5Ghz range. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi 6 supports 802.11ax, compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz ranges, creating multiple available channels.

Similarly, Wi-Fi 5 supports only four MU-MIMO transmissions at a given time, whereas Wi-Fi 6 supports eight transmissions. The latter has also introduced a number of new technologies, such as spatial frequency re-use, dynamic fragmentation, and trigger-based random access, adding to its efficiency.

When Is the Best Time to Move to Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 will have a significant impact on the way we interact with wireless devices. Between traffic prioritization, better speeds, and enhanced security, Wi-Fi 6 is an important step forward in wireless network technology.

Laptops with Wi-Fi 6 are becoming more common, and the prices of Wi-Fi 6 routers are coming down. Therefore, whether you are working, streaming video, or gaming, this is an excellent time to switch to Wi-Fi 6.