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If you want to get the best performance possible out of your network in today's digital age you need to know about the history of Wi-Fi standards. With high definition content becoming the norm and more and more smart devices in the home, there has never been a need for a faster wireless network. This article explores those distinctions, so you get a better sense of what the main differences are between Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 -- and whether an upgrade is worthy for you.
Wi-Fi vs. Wired Networks
The use of Ethernet cables and traditional wired networks has always been considered the best in terms of reliability and speed. But they’re still nowhere near as convenient or flexible as Wi-Fi. Since all devices were wireless, there was no limit to where devices could be placed and no need for physical connectivity. Wired connections have lower latency, but modern Wi-Fi has come a long way and is suitable for most uses.
IEEE 802.11 Architecture
Wi-Fi networks are built upon the IEEE 802.11 architecture. It is composed of elements such as the Basic Service Set (BSS, including an AP and its associated stations or devices), and the ESS, which means that multiple BSSs are connected to each other to build a larger network. This architecture allows optimal communication between devices and establishment of an efficient stream through the network.
Generations of Wi-Fi Families and Generations of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Band: Works on the 5GHz band predominantly.
- Speed: Up to 3.5Gbps supported.
- Uses 256-QAM for increased data rates.
- MU-MIMO Provides simultaneous connections with multiple devices.
- Simply it better signal directionality by an improved beamforming.
- Drawback: In congestion prone areas less effective.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Frequency Band: Work on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Speed: Up to 9.6 Gbps.
- OFDMA for bandwidth allocation to enhance the system capacity.
- Improved MU-MIMO with increased simultaneous connections.
- Target Wake Time (TWT) for better power consumption in devices.
- Enhanced security with WPA3 protocol.
- Pros: Improved performance in crowded areas and shorter latency.
Wi-Fi 6E
- Extension: A Wi-Fi 6 extension into the 6 GHz spectrum.
- Offers more spectrum, less traffic.
- More channels supported so higher throughput.
- Perfect for high-bandwidth uses such as AR/VR.
- 6 GHz band use requires compatible devices and infrastructure.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- Status: Projected to be completed in 2024.
- Velocity: As high as 46 Gbps.
- Uses 320 MHz channels for expanded bandwidth.
- Uses 4096-QAM to achieve higher throughputs.
- Adds Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for concurrent use across bands.
- Advanced OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology.
- Use Case: Intended to enable new applications of technology with ultra low latency and high data rate requirements.
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi
The best Wi-Fi for you will ultimately come down to what you need:
Wi-Fi 5: Fine for web browsing and streaming.
Wi-Fi 6: Good choice if you have multiple devices or live in a larger home, for optimal performance and efficiency.
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Wi-Fi 7: Future-Proofing for advanced applications such as 8K streaming, AR/VR, and real-time gaming.
Upgrade if network congestion is an issue, or if you need faster speeds, or if you will be using new technologies that require low latency and higher bandwidth.
Conclusion
Having a background of the evolution of Wi-Fi standards is valuable in making strategic decisions on network upgrades. Wi-Fi 5 is fine for most basic usage, but Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are once again much faster, leaner and more scalable. While it is still in the pipeline, Wi-Fi 7 is set to transform wireless. Based on your current and future networking needs, you could decide on the right upgrade.
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