Just one year following the introduction of WiFi 6 to the market, a faster, newer technology is ready to set a new standard for speed over WiFi networks. By expanding into the 6GHz band, WiFi 6E will enjoy access to an exclusive range of high-frequency bandwidth to move an incredible amount of data at lightning fast speeds.
With next-gen devices coming soon to take advantage of this new band of spectrum, Akoustis’ innovative ultra-wideband high performance XBAWTM process and filters will give these devices the power to manage never before seen performance and data throughput.
A global initiative
Back in April, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to expand WiFi into the 6GHz band. With Ofcom prepared to do the same in the UK and the rest of the world ready to follow suit, WiFi 6E will soon be the global standard.
Moving into the 6GHz band is no small development as WiFi 6E offers far more than just an incremental improvement on previous technology. This is the most significant WiFi advancement in years.
Next-gen capabilities
The move from 665MHz of bandwidth on the 5GHz band to 1200MHz of bandwidth on the 6GHz band represents an enormous shift in how much data can be passed at once. It roughly represents the upgrade from a garden hose to a fire hose.
But data throughput is just the beginning.
Next-gen routers will be more efficient and more capable of managing crowded networks with many users and client devices. Wi-Fi 6E routers virtually eliminate the need for users to compete over bandwidth like they used to.
A perfect example is logging into the network at a concert or filled-to-capacity football stadium. Whereas huge public networks have struggled to provide sufficient bandwidth to all users in the past, WiFi 6E makes it possible to stream the event on your device regardless of how many other clients are logged in and trying to do the same thing.
WiFi 6E offers far more channels than ever before, making it a perfect fit for all sorts of dense, challenging scenarios, from subway stations to apartment complexes and offices with many workstations.
A parallel to 5G
Similar to the technology behind 5G cellular networks, moving data over the 6GHz band does come with a caveat, being that it’s best suited for close-range connections. Devices will ideally need to be located in the same room and large venues (such as the stadium example above) will require a high number of radios in order to take full advantage of WiFi 6E technology.
Cleaner bandwidth
Another differentiating factor with WiFi 6E is that older generation devices will not be compatible over the 6GHz band. Since only WiFi 6E capable devices will use the band, the resulting bandwidth will be much cleaner, with no old technology bogging down the system.
Wider, cleaner bandwidth opens the door for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality to operate over the WiFi network. Currently, most high-end VR devices require cable connections in order to achieve the data throughput required for top performance.
Upgrading to WiFi 6E
Once the next-gen routers and devices rollout, those who wish to take advantage of WiFi 6E will need to purchase both a new router and devices equipped with the built-in chipsets able to transmit signals in the 6GHz band.
This means it could still be a while until WiFi 6E becomes a fully utilized technology across the board. Those who recently bought a new smartphone or laptop for WiFi 6 are less likely to upgrade again so soon. The good news is that older-gen devices will be 100% backwards compatible over the new routers, it’s just that these gadgets won’t be able to operate in the ultra-fast 6GHz band.