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wifi 6e

• 7 mins read • Insights • Cybersecurity

WiFi 6e

For over 20 years, Wi-Fi has been confined to only two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. However, as more devices and applications demand higher bandwidth, a change was needed. In April 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously to open up the 6 gigahertz (GHz) band (wifi 6e), which provided an additional 1,200 megahertz (MHz) of bandwidth for unlicensed use. This opened up a huge amount of airspace for the next generation of connected devices and was the largest increase in available spectrum since Wi-Fi was first introduced in the late 80s-early 90s.

More Bandwidth More Devices

Wi-Fi 6 has been providing a stable broadband experience by managing connected devices on crowded networks, delivering fast speeds and performance on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. WiFi 6E, introduced in 2020, has all the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 and can connect compatible devices to the newly available 6GHz band. The 6GHz band is more than twice as wide as its 5GHz predecessor and can only be accessed by the latest high-performance Wi-Fi 6E (and soon-to-be Wi-Fi 7) devices, further preventing the load and latency caused by legacy devices that congest home networks.

Supported Devices

The rollout of WiFi 6E has been gradual but highly anticipated by tech enthusiasts who understand the significance of the 6GHz band and its capabilities. Some current Wi-Fi 6E-supported devices include many Samsung Galaxy products like the S21 Ultra, the S22+ and Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The newest Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, the Motorola Edge, and the 14- and 16-inch 2023 MacBook Pro from Apple also support Wi-Fi 6E.

The 6GHz band is so wide that even as thousands of other connected devices continue to crop up, there will be plenty of open airwaves to support them all. With Wi-Fi 7 devices set to hit the market this year, the spacious 6GHz spectrum is extending its reach to deliver even more for early adopters. The 6GHz band is here and is opening doors for unlimited possibilities, ready to fully support the wave of next-generation devices already on their way to connected homes across the globe.

Wi-fi 6e for Businesses

Businesses can benefit greatly from the enhanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E. With the ability to connect more devices simultaneously and at faster speeds, businesses can improve productivity and efficiency. For example, in a warehouse or manufacturing facility, Wi-Fi 6E can support the use of wireless handheld scanners and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, allowing for real-time inventory tracking and other data-driven processes. In a corporate office setting, Wi-Fi 6E can support video conferencing with multiple participants in high definition, eliminating the need for expensive video conferencing hardware. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of the improved latency and reliability offered by Wi-Fi 6E for real-time applications such as virtual and augmented reality training programs, which can be particularly beneficial in industries such as healthcare, education, and aviation. Overall, the increased capacity and speed of Wi-Fi 6E can provide businesses with a competitive advantage in today’s digital age.
 

Cable Standards

To support the enhanced capabilities of WiFi 6E, certain cable standards must be met in order to maximize performance. While WiFi 6E operates on the 6GHz frequency band, it still relies on a physical cable connection to deliver data to devices. There are several cable standards that are important to consider when setting up a Wi-Fi 6E network.

First and foremost, it’s important to use a cable that can support speeds up to 10Gbps. This means that at a minimum, Cat6A cable should be used to connect access points, routers, and switches. Cat6A cable can support data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps at a maximum distance of 100 meters. However, for longer cable runs, fiber optic cable is recommended, as it can support data transfer speeds of up to 100Gbps and has greater range.

Another important consideration is the shielding of the cable. Wi-Fi 6E operates on the 6GHz frequency band, which is more prone to interference than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by previous Wi-Fi standards. As such, it’s important to use shielded cable to reduce the risk of interference from other electrical devices in the surrounding environment.

Finally, it’s important to ensure that the cable is terminated properly. Improper termination can lead to signal loss and reduced performance. It’s recommended to use high-quality connectors and to have the cable terminated by a professional.

In summary, to fully support WiFi 6E, Cat6A cable or fiber optic cable with shielding should be used to connect devices. Proper termination is also crucial to ensuring optimal performance. By following these guidelines, businesses and individuals can ensure that their network is able to fully take advantage of the increased capacity and speed offered by Wi-Fi 6E.

Should your Business Plan for 6e?

For businesses that are considering a network upgrade, it is important to assess whether WiFi 6E is worthy of consideration. Here are some factors that businesses should consider:

  1. Bandwidth and Network Demands: If the business has a high demand for bandwidth, especially with many devices and applications competing for it, Wi-Fi 6E could be a good fit. Wi-Fi 6E can provide a significant increase in available bandwidth, which can improve overall network performance.

  2. Security: Wi-Fi 6E offers improved security features compared to previous Wi-Fi standards, which can be a significant advantage for businesses that need to protect sensitive data.

  3. Cost: Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E can be expensive, especially if it requires new hardware, such as routers and access points. Businesses should consider their budget and weigh the cost against the potential benefits.

  4. Future-Proofing: Wi-Fi 6E is the latest Wi-Fi standard and provides a level of future-proofing for businesses. By investing in Wi-Fi 6E, businesses can ensure that they are prepared for future network demands and advancements.

  5. Compatibility: Businesses should consider the compatibility of their current devices with Wi-Fi 6E. If their devices are not compatible, they may need to replace them to take advantage of the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E.

  6. Use Case: Businesses should also consider the specific use case for Wi-Fi 6E. For example, if the business has a high demand for streaming video or other bandwidth-intensive applications, Wi-Fi 6E could provide significant benefits.

Ultimately, whether or not Wi-Fi 6E is worthy of consideration will depend on the specific needs of the business. By assessing their network demands, security needs, budget, future-proofing requirements, compatibility, and use case, businesses can make an informed decision about whether to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E.

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