Another Wi-Fi 6E advantage is that its channels don’t overlap with the existing Wi-Fi bands where channels are currently crammed into a limited spectrum range. In particular, the 2.4 GHz range, which we’ve used since 1999’s 802.11b Wi-Fi standard limited frequency range, makes it a Wi-Fi traffic jam. Just like real-world traffic jams, this causes both throughput and latency slowdowns.
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Wi-Fi 6E’s 160 MHz channels traffic lanes also can handle far more data. How much more? While Wi-Fi 6 devices max out in theory at 9.6 Gigabits per second (Gbps), in the real world, you’ll see speeds at just a hair over 1 Gbps at best. With Wi-Fi 6E, using a NetGear Orbi 960 Series Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System
First, while Wi-Fi 6E also supports 2.4 and 5 GHz, its 6 GHz additional spectrum capacity can accommodate 14 additional 80 MHz channels or seven additional 160 MHz wide channels. The bigger the MHz range, the more data you can pack into it.
Wi-Fi 6E also supports multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO). This standard enables your access point (AP) to transmit concurrently to multiple receivers while also simultaneously receiving from multiple transmitters. The latter is useful for maximizing mesh network performance.
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Wi-Fi 6E uses 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation mode (1024-QAM) to encode more data in the same amount of spectrum. It also uses beamforming to enable higher data rates at a given range resulting in greater network capacity for specific devices. Finally, it deploys orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) to share channels to increase network efficiency and lower latency for both uplink and downlink traffic in busy Wi-Fi environments.
What all that means for you is you can enjoy 8K movies, AR/VR gaming, and large file downloads — all without buffering. It also means your overall Wi-Fi performance, whether it’s just you, your family, or a business, will see a dramatic improvement.
Sadly, it’s not all fun and games. While Wi-Fi 6E offers numerous performance benefits, it’s important to note that the 6 GHz wireless spectrum uses shorter wavelengths. Short wavelengths are great for fast data transfers, but they have a harder time traveling long distances and suffer greater interference from physical obstructions like dense walls or floors in a building.
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For all practical purposes, to get the most from Wi-Fi 6E, it must be in the same room with the equipment using it. Now, mesh networks can help with that, so it’s not quite as bad as it sounds.
Furthermore, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is working on finalizing the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system. This will allow 6E Wi-Fi devices to operate at increased power levels. This fix, which firmware upgrades will distribute, will increase 6E’s range and overall performance.
But, before you run out to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E, there are several things you should know.
First, it costs serious coin. That Netgear mesh network I mentioned earlier? It’s $1,471. I can justify that. Can you? There are less expensive Wi-Fi 6E routers, such as the Nest Wifi Pro (RAXE500) for $510 and the TP-Link Archer AXE75 or newer; and Google Pixel 6 or more recent models. As for PCs and laptops, any that support Windows 11 may also support Wi-Fi 6E. Before buying, be sure to check that it comes with Wi-Fi 6 built-in.
If you have an older laptop or PC, you may be able to upgrade it to use 6E. Gear to look into for this include the D-Link DWA-X-1850 USB-to-WiFi 6 Adapter; and Asus PCE-AXE58BT WiFi 6E PCI-E Adapter
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Article source: https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/wi-fi-6e-the-future-of-wireless-connectivity-today-with-some-caveats/#ftag=RSSbaffb68