The world of technology is continuously changing. This goes for every possible device which is available in the market today across the globe. The same can be said about the Wi-Fi routers that we use in our day-to-day life.
Ever since the invention of the internet to date, the devices used for connectivity have been upgraded many times. In other words, we have seen many generations of them exist over the years.
One such upgrade can be seen in the form of Wi-Fi 6. If you have heard about it, but are unaware of its facts and features, then this write-up is a must-read for you.
What is Wi-Fi 6?
Like other devices or technology, Wi-Fi also needs to be upgraded in order to make it compatible and work seamlessly. Every new generation of Wi-Fi that is introduced is denoted with a series of numbers. For example, 802.11sc, or in this case it can be called the Wi-Fi 5.
Similarly, the upcoming generation of Wi-Fi which would generally be denoted as 802.11ax is now called Wi-Fi 6. In simple terms, it is an upgraded version of the same technology that you have been using over the years.
Is it faster than others?
Since Wi-Fi 6 uses better and more modern technology, it is definitely a little faster than other variants. As of now, it is assumed that Wi-Fi 6 can allow you to enjoy a speed of up to 9.6 Gbps. This in itself is around 3.5 Gbps more than what you are used to with a standard Wi-Fi 5 connectivity.
The speed of the device also depends on the technology used in it. There are two main technologies that support the speed factor of Wi-Fi 6. One is MU-MIMO while the other is OFDMA. MU-MIMO is an abbreviation for multi-user, multi-input, and multi-output. This technology can be seen already in current routers and devices.
However, when it is used in a Wi-Fi 6 router, the device is able to communicate with all the connected gadgets at the same time. This is different from how it is used in current routers which communicate with devices one after the other.
OFDMA, on the other hand, is like a load-sharing system that can be seen in transportation. It allows the router to pass on multiple pieces of information and then refill the space available. This mechanism goes on continuously which is another reason that speed is never compromised.
How is it different?
The biggest difference that one can gauge between Wi-Fi 6 and certain other old devices is the connectivity option. For instance, till two years back a typical household would have around five Wi-Fi-compatible devices. However, over the years this number has gone up to almost nine or ten devices for a single home. Therefore an old model of Wi-Fi would not be able to support the use of all of these devices at once.
The biggest toll is taken by the speed that you can enjoy with a lesser number of connected devices. But with the help of Wi-Fi 6, you will be able to work more efficiently even if it has multiple devices connected at the same time. It guarantees that the speed of your Wi-Fi will never be compromised due to a bunch of devices being connected to the same network.
Is it more secure?
The answer to the simple question is Yes! Only last year one of the biggest security protocols in the history of Wi-Fi has been added. It is called the WAP3 security protocol. Due to this particular technology, hackers cannot crack down on passwords or your account easily. It even helps secures your bank and financial information.
Besides, due to them continuously guessing passwords, the WAP3 technology makes information less useful for them as well. As of now, Wi-Fi-compatible devices have optional WAP3 support. But in the case of Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices, it is mandatory to include WAP3 support. This overall results in a more secure internet surfing environment.
How to start using WiFi 6?
In order to start using Wi-Fi 6, you would first need to purchase a router. However, at the moment these routers belong to the higher price bracket, which can be out of your reach. On the other hand, a lot of Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices are also on the expensive side.
But the good news is that this is just the beginning for Wi-Fi 6. Soon the market will be flooded with more affordable options when it comes to Wi-Fi 6-compatible routers and devices.
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