High-speed internet continues to expand in popularity, as do connectivity alternatives. With more households and small companies needing reliable broadband internet, it won’t be long until the foundation for a new wireless standard is laid. Whether you live in a rural or urban region, most WiFi connections have yet to reach peak capacity.

WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E have gained widespread acceptance as the next level of internet connectivity. As more wireless services become available, consumers will require reliable routers, modems, and range extenders. Before you invest in all of the necessary equipment, you should first grasp how the internet technology landscape is developing.

What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the current wireless standard that works effectively in densely populated locations such as urban centers and megacities. It provides high data rates and extended ranges, giving more people access to higher-speed broadband services. It has been accessible since 2019.

WiFi 6 improves on existing WiFi technology by increasing bandwidth, allowing users to receive new radio channels. It makes use of MU-MIMO technology, which stands for multi-use, multiple input, multiple output. It also employs OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) technology. Both of these contribute to the router’s ability to increase signal flow between various devices.

WiFi 6 enables enterprises to handle new and growing applications while maintaining the same wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure. Even older programs can be merged into a higher-level of service. An update to WiFi 6 infrastructure will increase individuals’ and enterprises’ smart building capabilities. Add the Internet of Things (IoT), switch to more cloud services, and interact or interface directly with other experts, businesses, or clients.

The pros of Wifi 6 include:

• It preserves battery life by integrating Target Wake Time (TWT). Devices operating using Wifi 6 networks generally last longer. This is because Wi-Fi 6 connections are automatically “switched off” when not in use, and the device goes to sleep. This comes in handy, especially in the setting of IoT devices that may not need constant Wi-Fi activity. 
• Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speed than Wi-Fi 5, both for a single device and much more when multiple devices are connected to one router.
• It has better safety protocols for safe internet surfing. 
• Backward compatibility with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 devices, among other standards. 
• Increased number of devices supported by one router.

It also has the following cons:

• It involves a high cost of installation and devices when you purchase smartphones and laptops with Wi-Fi 6 technology.
• It has a relatively short range of connectivity.

What is WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E is relatively recent, having gained notice in 2020 and making its specification debut for digital devices in early 2021. Still, it hasn’t been as widely available to customers because compatible WiFi 6E devices are more expensive.

WiFi 6E is an improved version of WiFi 6 that employs an extended implementation of 802.11ax. It uses a more powerful wireless spectrum: the 6 GHz (gigahertz) radio-frequency band. This sort of broadband internet provides significantly better speeds and fewer signal interruptions. Users benefit from quicker internet speeds due to a greater number of radio channels available. The increased throughput allows 6E to support more channels ranging from 80 MHz to 160 MHz wide. This results in faster speeds in high-bandwidth applications.

The larger capacity spectrum provides additional non-competing channels and can handle denser IT and IoT environments without sacrificing performance. Less interference means that 6E devices will not have to rely on WiFi 4 or 5 devices. WiFi 6E will not be slowed down by older devices with lower data rates. Using only 6E devices maximizes app efficiency and increases internet performance.

Differences and Benefits: WiFi 6 vs WiFi 6E

The present standard is quick and efficient. The demand for network connectivity to reach more individuals and provide reliability across the whole workforce is significant, especially as professionals explore alternative working models outside traditional in-office employment. Working remotely, from home, or on a hybrid basis, for example, requires flexible, scalable, dependable, and secure wireless networks in order to function safely and successfully.

There are advantages to adopting WiFi 6 or its extension, 6E. Some people may consider the differences to be a deciding factor. It’s important to assess the benefits and drawbacks so you can decide what’s best for your family, workplace, or organization. The key differences between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are speed, range, and router.

Speeds and Range

The delivery rate per 15 feet is significantly higher between WiFi 6 and 6E. The former achieves a net speed of 1.146 Gbps. The WiFi 6E delivery rate is 1.788 Gbps, representing a significant % increase in speed. When speaking of range, or distance, 6E will reach a bigger audience. Nonetheless, more legacy WiFi devices support WiFi 6.

Although WiFi 6E provides a faster signal for compatible devices and apps, it does not support backward compatibility. For example, WiFi 6 allows you to integrate older standard WiFi devices and applications, whereas 6E does not. It may take some time until the bulk of WiFi-enabled gadgets support 6E.

Router

WiFi 6 offers backward compatibility capabilities, so your current router will be able to function after the upgrade. To use WiFi 6E, upgrade your router and linked devices to 6E-enabled choices. The decision not to make this extension backward compatible stemmed from the belief that achieving optimum operating efficiency required the use of the most recent tools and gadgets.

Main Benefits

The features of WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E include the ability to deliver excellent internet speeds regardless of how many range extenders are used. WiFi 6 is also backward-compatible, which helps to build on existing technologies while enhancing overall efficiency. Older apps will perform better. It also improves performance for more modern applications including high-density, high-definition collaborative apps, 4K and 8K video, all-wireless offices, and the Internet of Things.

Read Also: Top 5 Tips for Getting the Best Mesh Wifi Coverage

Wi-Fi 6E is an expansion of Wi-Fi 6, but with higher throughput, lower latency, and more network security. It increases capacity by adding spectrum and eliminating overlapping channels. There is less interference, and the throughput is higher. Operating on a broader bandwidth will alleviate capacity issues in large venues. For example, brick-and-mortar stores, congested arenas, stadiums, concert halls, and vast, open buildings.

These high-frequency spectrums allow for quick and clear data transmission. This means that immersive applications, such as virtual learning, and intensive-service care, such as telehealth, will be free of network problems. Even dedicated gamers who focus on augmented reality, such as AR/VR (virtual reality), will be able to enjoy their gaming sessions in real time.

Industry Benefits

WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E will improve data transmission quality for educational establishments and businesses in a variety of industries. That entails optimizing digital communications in the education and healthcare sectors. Enhance your experiences with online learning, video conferencing, team meetings, telehealth care appointments, and so on.

Businesses, such as merchants, will see improved point-of-sale transactions. Making interactions more convenient for consumers increases customer satisfaction and sales. The manufacturing and warehouse industries will benefit from improved network environments for their IoT devices and sensors, resulting in increased production.

Specifications

WiFi 6 has data channels at 2.4 and 5 GHz. There is just one 160 MHz-wide channel accessible in the 5 GHz range. WiFi 6 is backward compatible, which means it can support 802.11 (a,b,g,n, and ac) devices and apps. It can support previous versions, so users don’t need to worry about upgrading every device or piece of equipment.

WiFi 6E includes 2.4 and 5 GHz data channels, but it also supports 6 GHz. The 6E has eight channels, but the 6 has only one. One channel operates at 5 GHz, while the remaining seven are at 6 GHz. WiFi 6E will only handle 802.11ax-capable devices and applications.

Improving range and signal strength is critical in large work spaces. Especially if the work requires regular network connectivity. That necessitates dependable equipment, such as range extenders or mesh WiFi. Both WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are compatible with mesh WiFi home and business networks.

Supported Devices

Make sure you have all of the necessary internet and WiFi equipment to keep up with the latest broadband updates. Not all typical routers support WiFi 6 or 6E. Although WiFi 6 is backward compatible, it is not a bad idea to hunt for upgraded devices. New network equipment will provide additional benefits, such as improved security and smoother functioning.

If you are unsure whether your home or workplace connection might benefit from an upgrade to WiFi 6 or 6E, consult with your ISP. Most homes and small companies have broadband speeds of roughly 50 Mbps, with faster broadband speeds reaching 1 Gbps. With these speeds, upgrading your equipment to WiFi 6 or 6E wouldn’t make much of a difference, because you may only reach that 1-gigabit broadband.

WiFi 6E-enabled devices, such as smartphones, wireless laptops, wearables, and IoT sensors, benefit from high data transfer speeds in the 6 GHz band. Non-supported legacy devices do not have access to that capacity, resulting in quicker internet speeds and lower latency.

Which is Better Wi-Fi 6 or 6E?

The key distinction between the two is the new, underused 6GHz band. WiFi 6E will still give you with the best speeds and greater connected capacity for more devices, but the addition of extra spectrum and high-bandwidth channels helps alleviate congestion and interference, which are two of the most pressing WiFi issues today. WiFi 6E provides the smoothest and fastest streaming experience, decreased latency, and ultra-fast bandwidth, resulting in the greatest WiFi experience conceivable.

Additional differences include:

No legacy devices on the 6GHz band: The 6GHz band is exclusive to WiFi 6E devices. 6GHz networks don’t have to slow down to accommodate older devices. This means that WiFi 6E devices can take full advantage of the bandwidth, spectrum, and speed improvements of 6GHz without competing with any non-6E devices.

Additional spectrum: The 6GHz band supports up to 14 80MHz channels, or seven 160MHz channels. More available WiFi channels means more available WiFi spectrum and less overlap between networks in crowded areas, like apartment complexes or offices.

More high-bandwidth channels: The 6GHz band supports almost twice as many high-bandwidth (80GHz, 160MHz) channels as 5GHz. More available high-bandwidth channels means more capacity for applications like 4K and 8K streaming, virtual reality gaming, and high-definition video conferencing.

No DFS scanning required: Unlike 160MHz channels in the 5GHz wireless band, devices operating in 6GHz don’t share the spectrum with radar devices or TV stations. As a result, people who cannot take advantage of 160MHz channels because they live near places like airports or TV stations can benefit from vacant 160MHz channels.

Supports WPA3 WiFi security protocol: WPA 3 is mandatory for all WiFi 6 Certified devices operating in 6GHz. WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi Alliance security certification. WPA3 provides the latest in security and authentication protocols. As a result, 6GHz WiFi traffic is more secure than ever and 6GHz networks are more difficult to hack.

While some may be concerned about when they will be able to use the 6GHz band, it is safe to assume that end products will be available sooner rather than later. As a smartphone technology leader, Samsung confirmed earlier this year that the Samsung Galaxy S21 would be WiFi 6E compatible upon release.

Samsung also just revealed that its 2021 Neo QLED 8K TVs have received the world’s first WiFi 6E accreditation from the Wi-Fi Alliance. Vizio’s M-Series and V-Series smart TVs both support WiFi 6E. And if that isn’t enough to get you excited, Tom’s Guide predicts that WiFi 6E products will be available this summer, including mesh systems, routers, laptops, tablets, phones, AR headsets, and more!

Summary

WiFi 6 became the industry standard in 2019 and has since expanded to reach an ever-wider audience. Not long after, in the spring of 2020, the extension, WiFi 6E, made its debut. Both network connectivity options are critical for maximizing performance and efficiency in today’s ever-changing industry.
Keeping up with both current events and the job is challenging without consistent internet access. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E will provide long-term and noticeable improvements to your home, workplace, or business.

Advancements in internet technology continue to astonish, so don’t be shocked by the next generation of robust broadband access possibilities. WiFi 7 might arrive sooner than you think. It is scheduled for release in 2024.