In recent years, Wi-Fi technology has experienced several major upgrades, with each new version creating widespread enthusiasm. From the debut of Wi-Fi 6 to the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and development of Wi-Fi 7, these advancements have made people feel as though they are riding the waves of the internet.
What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6, also known as IEEE 802.11ax, is the next-generation wireless networking standard succeeding Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac). It delivers faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced latency, enabling quicker file downloads and uploads, seamless device connections, and smoother online experiences. This makes Wi-Fi 6 an ideal choice for wireless communication in modern homes and office settings.
What Is Wi-Fi 6E?
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Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) that utilizes the expanded 6 GHz frequency band to support new use cases and applications requiring high bandwidth and low latency. These include activities like 4K/8K video streaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming. Wi-Fi 6E also benefits IoT devices by offering an efficient and reliable way to connect and communicate within the expanded spectrum.
What Is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is the upcoming generation of Wi-Fi standards, currently in development. Like Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 access points and devices will operate on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands to maximize spectrum usage. Its key feature, Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is designed to deliver exceptional speeds and improved efficiency for connected devices. If you face challenges with buffering, latency, or network congestion, a Wi-Fi 7 access point could be the ultimate solution.
WiFi Versions Compared
| Version | Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2007 | 2013 | 2019 | 2020 | 2024 |
| Protocol | 802.11n | 802.11ac | 802.11ax | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Bands | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 5 GHz only | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 2.4 / 5 / 6* GHz | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz |
| Peak Speed | 600 Mb/s | 6.9 Gb/s | 9.6 Gb/s | 9.6 Gb/s | 46 Gb/s |
| Channel Widths | 20 / 40 MHz | 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 MHz | 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 MHz | 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 MHz | 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz |
| Security | WPA2 | WPA2 | WPA3 | WPA3 | WPA3 |
| MIMO | 4 x 4 MIMO | 8 x 8 MIMO | 8 x 8 MIMO | 8 x 8 MIMO | 16 x 16 MIMO |
| Key Features | LDPC Error Correction, 64-QAM | 4 x DL MU-MIMO, Beam Forming®, 256-QAM | 8 x DL MU-MIMO, Beam Forming, OFDMA, TWT, 1024-QAM | 8 x DL MU-MIMO, Beam Forming, OFDMA, TWT, *6 GHz added, USA Only | 16 x DL & UL MU-MIMO, Multi-AP, Multi-RU Puncturing, Multi-Link, Beam Forming, OFDMA, TWT, 4096-QAM |
Other significant Improvements in WiFi 7
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
Currently, routers support multiple WiFi bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—but WiFi clients connect using only one of these bands. With WiFi 7, routers can simultaneously connect to client devices across two different bands.
Imagine two highways leading to the same destination. MLO acts like a system that can either distribute traffic across both highways or seamlessly reroute it to the other highway if one becomes congested.
Mesh systems stand to benefit greatly from MLO, as both the router and satellite can transmit simultaneously across two bands to optimize performance. This feature is particularly useful for mobile devices switching between bands without dropping the connection. For example, during a Zoom call, if you move from the center of your home to the backyard, WiFi 7 will allow your device to switch smoothly from 6GHz to 5GHz to 2.4GHz without causing the call to drop or buffer.
Flexible Channel Utilization
A major limitation of traditional WiFi is that any interference affects the entire channel. With WiFi 7’s “puncturing” feature, only the affected portion of a channel can be blocked, while the remaining parts continue to transfer data. This enhances WiFi’s resistance to interference, ensuring that critical data flow and low latency are maintained.
Returning to the highway analogy, in WiFi 6, a pothole in one lane can make the entire lane unusable. In WiFi 7, you can block off just the pothole and continue driving on the remaining parts of the lane.
What Hasn’t Changed?
- Same Three Bands
- Lightning-Fast Speeds
- Massive Bandwidth
- Limited Device Support
Despite WiFi 7’s impressive specifications, it builds upon the foundation of WiFi 6 and 6E features and infrastructure. As mentioned earlier, WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 both utilize the same three bands, including the ultra-fast 6GHz band. Both deliver exceptional bandwidth. Additionally, both WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 face the challenge of technology providers catching up, with new devices still being rolled out to fully realize their potential. Even with WiFi 7 on the horizon, WiFi 6E remains a cutting-edge technology worthy of consideration.
WiFi 7 vs WiFi 6: What’s the Difference?
WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are essentially the same, with the key difference being WiFi 6E’s ability to operate on the 6 GHz band. However, this addition alone doesn’t make WiFi 6E significantly more appealing than “standard” WiFi 6, especially since you’d need to purchase all-new devices to utilize a feature that comes with a notable drawback—limited range.
WiFi 7 builds on everything WiFi 6E offers and introduces advanced new functionality designed to handle dense operating environments. The new technology works hard to ensure devices don’t interfere with one another, preventing disruptions like lag during online gaming or slowdowns during basic web browsing. This makes WiFi 7 far more promising, provided it is implemented properly across all manufacturers’ devices.
That said, none of these advancements improve range, which remains a significant issue. Unfortunately, this is a limitation that cannot be overcome due to the laws of physics and the current reliance on radio waves to transmit data wirelessly.
Should you upgrade to a WiFi 7 Router?
WiFi 7 is undoubtedly the future of wireless technology, and eventually, we’ll all be using WiFi 7 routers and devices. In the meantime, most users will still find WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E networks sufficient, especially when powered by reliable, top-performing routers and mesh systems like our Orbi and Nighthawk devices.
It’s also important to consider the mobile device you use. Currently, Apple’s iPhone does not support WiFi 6E, meaning a WiFi 6 network will deliver optimal performance for iPhone users. However, those with the latest Windows laptops or Android phones, which support WiFi 6E, should consider upgrading to a WiFi 6E network if they haven’t yet. This upgrade will ensure excellent performance for years to come.
Purchasing a WiFi router is an investment in your home’s WiFi infrastructure, preparing it not only for today’s devices but also for future technology. If you plan to upgrade your phones or laptops in the next couple of years, those devices will likely support the latest WiFi standard. To protect your investment, it’s highly recommended to choose a router or mesh system based on the most advanced WiFi technology.
As WiFi 7 starts to roll out over the next year, systems featuring its premium capabilities will begin to hit the market. Power users looking to future-proof their home network should consider adopting WiFi 7 devices when they become available. Serious gamers will benefit from WiFi 7’s low latency and responsiveness, while those using VR/AR for work or entertainment will enjoy its exceptional speeds and minimal lag. Additionally, anyone who always wants the latest technology will appreciate knowing their network is ready to support future devices for years to come.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E adds support for the 6 GHz band, offering less congestion and better performance than Wi-Fi 6, which only uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
What are the key improvements in Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 improves speed, reduces latency, and adds features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and flexible channel utilization for better handling of high-demand environments.
What is Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7?
MLO allows devices to connect to multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously, improving speed and reducing congestion.
How does Wi-Fi 7 improve upon Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 7 offers faster speeds, reduced latency, and more efficient network management, along with MLO for better handling of multiple devices.
Should I upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 now?
Wi-Fi 7 is great for future-proofing, especially for intensive tasks like gaming or streaming. But if your devices are fine with Wi-Fi 6E, upgrading may not be necessary just yet.
What should I consider when upgrading my Wi-Fi router?
Consider your current and future devices. If your devices support Wi-Fi 6E, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6E router is beneficial. For future-proofing, look for Wi-Fi 7 support.
What hasn’t changed with Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 still uses the same frequency bands as Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, and its range is similar. The biggest changes are in speed, efficiency, and how the network handles congestion.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 offer significant improvements in speed and efficiency. While Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are ideal for high-demand tasks, Wi-Fi 6 remains sufficient for most users. Wi-Fi 7’s future-proofing makes it a great choice for those looking to optimize their network for years to come. Consider your device compatibility and needs before upgrading.
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