Wi-Fi is a ubiquitous technology that allows us to connect to the internet wirelessly. As technology continues to evolve, so does Wi-Fi, with newer and faster versions being released over time. The two most recent versions of Wi-Fi are Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
In this blog post, we’ll explore some key differences between these two technologies.
Speed
One of the biggest differences between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 is speed. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to be faster than Wi-Fi 5, with maximum theoretical speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, compared to a maximum theoretical speed of 3.5 Gbps for Wi-Fi 5. While real-world speeds will always be lower than the theoretical maximum, Wi-Fi 6 is still expected to be significantly faster than Wi-Fi 5.
Efficiency
Wi-Fi 6 is also designed to be more efficient than Wi-Fi 5. This is achieved through MU-MIMO (multi-user multiple-input multiple-output) and OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access). These technologies allow Wi-Fi 6 to use the available bandwidth more efficiently, resulting in faster and more reliable connections, even in crowded environments.
Compatibility
Another key difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 is compatibility. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to be backward compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and other previous versions of Wi-Fi. This means that if you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, it will still work with devices that support Wi-Fi 5 or earlier versions of Wi-Fi. However, the reverse is not true – if you have a Wi-Fi 5 router, you cannot take advantage of the benefits of Wi-Fi 6.
Range
Wi-Fi 6 is also expected to have a better range than Wi-Fi 5, thanks to technologies like beamforming. Beamforming allows a Wi-Fi 6 router to focus its signal directly at a connected device rather than broadcasting it in all directions. This can result in a stronger and more reliable connection, even at longer distances.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 6 represents the latest and greatest in Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved range compared to Wi-Fi 5. While Wi-Fi 6 is still relatively new, it is expected to become the new standard in the coming years as more and more devices adopt this technology. If you’re in the market for a branded new router or other Wi-Fi equipment, it’s worth considering Wi-Fi 6 to ensure the best possible performance and compatibility.
