Wi-Fi 6 Is Coming: Here’s What You Need to Know

With all the talk of 5G over the past year, it’s no wonder that Wi-Fi 6 is taking the public by relative surprise. As people everywhere are trying to speed up their tech gadgets and processes, Wi-Fi 6 routers have become a compelling solution.

Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6 and how to take advantage of it. Let’s take a look!

What Is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 has been touted by IT experts as the next-generation wireless technology. You might recognize the previous generation known as 802.11ax (now referred to as Wi-Fi 5), which most current routers and devices run on. Wi-Fi 6 promises internet users a new standard, offering more speed than its predecessors. This wireless network provides the capacity, coverage efficiency, and performance demanded by today’s busy online users – and will be particularly helpful for those working or attending school remotely.

Wi-Fi 6 also promises to offer peak connectivity to those in large public spaces, such as sports stadiums or music halls, and on corporate networks that tap into time-sensitive, high-bandwidth applications. Users can also enjoy enhanced security and interoperability, as well as the power to enable lower battery consumption. Because of this, many people believe that Wi-Fi 6 is the ideal support for devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT).

Wi-Fi 6 Specifications and Performance

Understanding the specifications of Wi-Fi 6 and its level of performance can help you determine how quickly you want to adopt it. Wi-Fi 6 operates over 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5GHz frequency bands. This is more flexible than Wi-Fi 5, which only ran over 5GHz. In practical terms, this also means that users will experience 37 percent faster speeds on a single device using Wi-Fi 6 than they would if they were connected to Wi-Fi 5.

Wi-Fi 6 Offers Unparalleled Speed Capabilities

The broadcasting strength of Wi-Fi 6 clocks in at a signal strength of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps), going far beyond the Wi-Fi 5 rates (which max out at 1 Gbps). With these speeds, users will be able to enjoy a broader range of tech benefits. For example, IoT devices will connect, recognize each other, and start working in tandem faster than ever.

In addition to lightning-fast speeds, Wi-Fi 6 also extends the mesh router range. This allows you to link more users without the need for repeaters or extenders. Plus, devices will connect more efficiently, increasing their battery and performance.

The Benefits of Wi-Fi 6 Technology

Wi-Fi 6 doesn’t just offer the fastest real-world speeds; there are a variety of reasons why this latest advancement is shaping up to be the next generation of technology. Other key benefits include:

  • Increased capacity for connected devices.
  • Higher data rates and speeds.
  • Improved power efficiency and battery-saving capabilities.
  • An optimized foundation for hosting current and emerging capabilities, including streaming ultra-high-definition films.
  • The ability to stay connected and productive while immersed in large-scale networks, such as in transportation hubs like train stations and airports.
  • Enhanced spectrum usage, which ensures that routers can connect over long ranges, delivering higher data throughput.

The certified Nerds at NerdsToGo Katy can offer you more insights into the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 to help you determine whether or not to make the switch for your home or business.

How Can You Prepare for Wi-Fi 6 Installation?

Initially released in late 2019 and still rolling out incrementally, Wi-Fi 6 has become a massive success with early users. Therefore, it’s a great option if you’re looking to improve your home’s internet connection.

By most accounts, the technical changes are minor, but it never hurts to work with a team of qualified tech professionals to ensure your setup goes smoothly. At NerdsToGo Katy, we provide a variety of business IT services aimed at helping you make sure you have all the hardware you need to get your network up and running at full speed.

One thing to keep in mind is that, even if your wireless router supports Wi-Fi 6, you will need to invest in compatible client devices at the other end to reap the benefits of the new standard. An example of a Wi-Fi 6-ready device is the Samsung Galaxy S10.

Ready to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6? NerdsToGo Can Help

If you would like to install Wi-Fi 6 at your home or business, call on NerdsToGo  for assistance. We can answer any questions you might have before you make the switch, so you can ensure Wi-Fi 6 is right for you and your needs. When you’re ready (and Wi-Fi 6 is available in your area), we’ll get you browsing, streaming, and working faster than ever.

Reach out to the NerdsToGo team today to get started!