WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest wireless networking standard that promises to offer faster and more efficient wireless connectivity. While WiFi 5 (802.11ac) was a significant improvement over WiFi 4 (802.11n), WiFi 6 takes things to the next level, providing faster speeds, better security, and more reliable connections. In this blog post, we’ll explore why WiFi 6 is worth upgrading to and cite sources to back up our claims.
Faster speeds
One of the most significant advantages of WiFi 6 is faster speeds. WiFi 6 supports multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology, which allows multiple devices to connect to a single access point simultaneously. This technology can deliver up to four times faster speeds than WiFi 5. With faster speeds, you can download large files quickly, stream 4K or even 8K videos, and enjoy online gaming without any lag or buffering.
According to a study conducted by Ookla, a leading network testing company, WiFi 6 was found to be up to 30% faster than WiFi 5 in a real-world setting. The study also found that WiFi 6 offered better performance in congested areas with many connected devices.
Improved efficiency
WiFi 6 also improves efficiency by using a new modulation scheme called 1024-QAM, which can transmit more data per packet than the previous 256-QAM modulation scheme used in WiFi 5. Additionally, WiFi 6 uses a new technology called target wake time (TWT) that allows devices to schedule their transmissions, reducing the amount of time they need to stay active and conserving battery life. This means that devices can use less power and stay connected for longer periods.
According to a report by the Wi-Fi Alliance, WiFi 6 can increase network efficiency by up to 40% compared to WiFi 5, making it a great choice for businesses or households with many connected devices.
Better security
WiFi 6 also offers better security features than its predecessors. It includes support for WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, which provides enhanced protection against hacking attempts and unauthorized access. WPA3 uses stronger encryption and authentication methods, making it more difficult for attackers to crack your password and gain access to your network.
A study conducted by the Wi-Fi Alliance found that WPA3 can prevent brute-force attacks, which are common types of attacks used by hackers to guess passwords. With WPA3, attackers are limited to a certain number of attempts, making it much harder for them to gain access to your network.
More reliable connections
WiFi 6 also promises more reliable connections, even in crowded areas with many connected devices. It uses a new technology called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), which allows multiple devices to share the same channel by dividing it into smaller subchannels. This reduces interference and congestion, making it easier for devices to connect to the network and stay connected.
According to a report by the Wi-Fi Alliance, OFDMA can improve network capacity by up to four times compared to WiFi 5, providing a more stable and reliable connection for all devices on the network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WiFi 6 is definitely worth upgrading to, offering faster speeds, improved efficiency, better security, and more reliable connections. With the increasing number of connected devices in our homes and workplaces, WiFi 6 can provide the necessary bandwidth and capacity to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Upgrade your devices and access points to WiFi 6 to experience the full potential of this exciting new technology.
Sources:
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- Wi-Fi Alliance: https://www.wi-fi.org