WiFi 6, or IEEE 802.11ax to give it its official designation, is the latest standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs). It is built on the previous wireless iteration, IEEE 802.11ac (WiFi 5), and, while continuing support for the same carrier frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz), it can also operate with a spectrum of bands between 1GHz and 7GHz. This range includes the 6GHz band, which is forecast to be increasingly adopted in the future. The following are the key advantages of WiFi 6 technology.
Increasing Bandwidth
WiFi 6 delivers significantly higher bandwidth than WiFi 5 while retaining a high degree of compatibility. WiFi 6's improved efficiency offers up to 4 times faster speeds than IEEE 802.11ac with a theoretical maximum of 9.6 Gbps. However, the benefits of WiFi 6 are not simply found in the increased maximum bandwidth for an individual device but in its ability to boost the speed of multiple connected devices. It improves concurrent router communication with a greater number of connections through numerous access points (APs).
Improved Network Efficiency
WiFi 6 technology features advanced MU-MIMO (multi-user multiple input / multiple output) and OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access) techniques which enable more efficient use of the wireless spectrum. With WiFi 5, WiFi channels could only deliver data to a single user at once. OFDMA allows channels to carry data for multiple users concurrently by using smaller frequency allocations called resource units (RUs). Each client is allocated specific RUs, providing simultaneous data communication without interference, reducing latency, and improving performance.
Enhanced Security
A key security innovation introduced with WiFi 6 is WPA3. Intended to replace WPA2, WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3) employs 192-bit encryption when operating in Enterprise mode, facilitating the secure transit of highly sensitive financial or administrative data across open networks [1]. It also provides easier configuration for headless devices in IoT networks and enhanced protection against brute-force attacks.
IoT Support
WiFi 6 technology is especially beneficial in supporting the expansion of the IoT (Internet of Things). It enables more efficient and reliable networking for these devices whose smart functionality requires low latency connectivity. This is provided primarily by the increased capacity of access points for concurrent communications, as well as the easier configurability for rapid integration. WiFi 6 also includes a specific handling mode for IoT wireless connectivity, suitable for low-bandwidth, low-power automation equipment like sensors or medical scanners.
Future-proofing
The pace of technological innovation never relents and developers are already working on the next wireless iteration, WiFi 7. This will build on the standards set out in WiFi 6, so the latter offers an important future-proofing measure for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Find Out More
For further information on WiFi 6 and its uses, Orion US can offer expert advice and recommendations. Get in touch today to help secure your wireless future.
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