Change is the only constant thing in this world. Being said that, technology, somehow, keeps on evolving day by day. When will it stop? Never. It will change constantly.
A new generation of wifi — a wireless networking technology that provides wireless high-speed network and internet connections — is about to take on a new exciting level again. Fast internet is always in demand, considering the amount of bandwidth we consume over videos, games, and apps using our laptops and mobile phones.
However, the new wifi generation, referred to as Wi-Fi 6, is not your typical internet speed improvement. Its effect on the entire community will be more defined, and we’re going to experience its benefits over time.
There is a huge chance that Wi-Fi 6 will be available on your laptop or phone since it will start to arrive next year and you can do wifi speed test. So, what should we assume if it’s available for use? To find out, continue reading.
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Wi-Fi 6 Overview
It is a new generation of wireless network. Regardless of its improvement, it will still do a standard thing — connecting to the internet. However, there are a lot of added features and technologies to make your internet connection more efficient and faster.
How Fast is Wi-Fi 6?
The theoretical speed maximum is around 9.6 Gbps. However, this is just a theoretical maximum speed given. Also, such speed won’t go to a single device only. It can be shared across different devices of an entire network. Meaning, more internet speed potential for every device. Nevertheless, the fact that this new Wi-Fi offers a higher speed limit than the previous one is important. You can check your current speed by doing a Speedcheck Speed Test.
How to Take Advantage of Wi-Fi 6?
To enjoy this new wireless network generation, you need to have new devices. Wi-Fi 6 generation depends on new and updated hardware, not just merely software updates. Hence, you’ll need to purchase new devices and/or gadgets to fully experience the new Wi-Fi version. But, you don’t just go out and buy a new laptop or phone to the store.
Rather, new devices will come out that are Wi-Fi 6 compatible by default. So, as you replace your game console, phone, and laptop over the next couple of years, you’ll have new ones that are Wi-Fi 6 ready. And of course, it is best to pair it with updated LAN cables, especially cat6 or cat6a type. You can always contact your cat6 cable manufacturer for more details.
But, no matter how many devices you bring home (all Wi-Fi 6 ready), if your router does not support the new Wi-Fi generation, you won’t experience any changes or benefits.
Once more, there’s no need to rush out and buy. But if your household is jam-packed with smart gadgets and devices all connected to wifi, and connection seems to slow down in the next 4-5 years, investing in a Wi-Fi 6 router may be the best solution.
What Makes it Faster?
Technically, there are two major features that boost Wi-Fi 6 connection — OFDMA and MU-MIMO.
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), enables a single network transmission to carry data to different devices all at the same time.
On the other hand, MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), is a technology that enables a router to transmit data to numerous devices all at the same time, instead of communicating to a single device, then the next, and so on. Routers already use this technology, but Wi-Fi 6 enhances it.
Today, MU-MIMO can communicate to 6 devices at the same time, and wifi 6 can broadcast with up to 8 gadgets. In general, this is all utilized to get more out of every Wi-Fi signal transmission from a router to a certain device.
Has Better Performance in Congested Areas
Oftentimes, a wireless network tends to lag when you’re in a congested area with lots of Wi-Fi enabled devices. The new Wi-Fi 6, otherwise known as 802.11ax, entails a lot of new technology features to assist with crowded area connection. However, this would not easily apply to crowded public areas. It’s more applicable to your household if you have numerous Wi-Fi connected devices, or if you’re located in a thick apartment complex.
Conclusion
Are people ready with wifi 6? Well, it really depends. As mentioned above, even if you have it, yet your devices are not wifi 6 capable, then it’s useless. Before jumping to a final decision, make sure you have a better understanding of what this new generation of wireless network is capable of, and the devices it supports. Certainly, it is something we all look forward to as we need faster internet speed compared to what we have now.
