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No matter where you travel in the world, you’ll find WiFi just about everywhere. There are hotspots in cafes, retail shops, and even in parks. It’s in the vast majority of homes, too, with 89% of US homes connected to broadband using WiFi to access the internet. That being said – not all WiFi is created equal.

Since the invention of the technology way back in 1997, there have been several iterations of WiFi protocols. Each has improved on the speed, transmission distance, and reliability of the one before it. Now, there’s a new WiFi standard that’s about to come to market. It’s known as WiFi 6, and it’s going to introduce a raft of new features and improvements that users everywhere will need to know about.

To help you understand what WiFi 6 is and how it’s different from previous generations, here’s a rundown of the advantages, disadvantages, and changes the new standard is going to introduce. By the end, you’ll be an expert in all things WiFi. Let’s dive in.

What’s in a Name?

If you’ve already used WiFi in your home or elsewhere, you’ve probably noticed by now that the upcoming WiFi standard uses a different naming convention than the ones it’s replacing. You might be familiar, for example, with WiFi standards like 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac. The change is happening because the Wi-Fi Alliance (which is responsible for maintaining the technology standards and naming them) has decided to do away with the old way of naming each generation of WiFi. In truth, it was a move that was long overdue.

So, beginning with this new WiFi standard, each new revision will bear a number – not a letter (or letters). This change will also apply to previous generations of the technology, renaming them to make them easier for the average person to distinguish. The changes are:

• 802.11b is now WiFi 1
• 802.11a is now WiFi 2
• 802.11g is now WiFi 3
• 802.11n is now WiFi 4
• 802.11ac is now WiFi 5

For those who are interested, the upcoming standard does have a name that uses the previous naming convention – 802.11ax – but don’t expect to see that on any of the devices that support it. Instead, manufacturers should soon start changing their hardware and software to use the new names, so users can tell which available networks use the newest technology.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of WiFi 6

As you might expect, this new version of WiFi improves upon its predecessor in several ways. The first improvement most users will notice is that it features data transfer speeds roughly 40% faster than WiFi 5. Translation: it’s much faster. Much of that is due to more efficient handling of the way the available wireless frequencies get used. By implementing a data handling architecture known as OFDMA, the WiFi base station can split each wireless channel into several subcarriers. That means it can talk at full speed with several connected devices at once, whereas previous standards were limited by the speed of the slowest connected device.

That higher speed capability also translates into power savings for connected devices. Since data doesn’t take as long to transmit and receive, you don’t need as much radio power overall. That should mean devices like smartphones and tablets will enjoy longer battery life when connected to WiFi. The standard doesn’t stop there, though. It also includes a feature called target wake time (TWT), which allows WiFi radios to power down whenever they’re not in use, even if it’s for brief periods. Added up, that downtime saves quite a bit of power when compared to previous WiFi standards.

The advantages don’t end there, though. A WiFi network using the new standard will also enjoy better performance in dense wireless environments. That means users won’t see slowdowns when there are too many connected devices, or when there are several competing WiFi networks nearby. To further minimize connectivity trouble, advanced beamforming technology also allows base stations to precisely control transmission direction that can help reach distant devices.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a technology without disadvantages. In this case, the good news is that there aren’t very many. One is that devices that support the new standard are still quite expensive. While that should change once more manufacturers start bringing products to market, it’s still a limiting factor for some.

The other disadvantage is range. The new standard doesn’t improve on the range of WiFi 5 networks, and in some environments, it might be slightly shorter. And, for users hoping to improve their internet connectivity, it’s important to note that it would take a gigabit internet connection to reach the full performance of the new standard, which most people still don’t have.

A New Standard, a New Band

There’s also another important development tied to the rollout of the new AX WiFi standard. It’s the introduction of a new frequency band that’s never been part of the WiFi ecosystem before. It happened when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to allow unlicensed use of the 6GHz band on April 23, 2020. That change permits WiFi networks to operate using its original bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, as well as the newly-available 6GHz band.

To take advantage of it, a revision to the new standard known as WiFi 6E has been created. Right now, it exists to allow manufacturers to start building products that utilize the 6GHz band while they wait for regulators outside of the US to open up similar 6GHz band access in their countries. When universally available, networks using the new band will enjoy less congestion and even more speed beyond what was possible with the two preexisting bands.

The Bottom Line

At this stage, there’s little reason to run right out and buy a new AX WiFi router. Until more new devices start to support the standard, and more people start to buy them, there’s no advantage to being an early adopter. It also doesn’t make sense to hold out for WiFi 6E. It’s anyone’s guess when or if the needed global regulatory approvals will happen, so it could be years before products that use it reach consumers.

So, while it’s a certainty that 802.11ax is the future of WiFi, that future is still a few months away for most users. When the technology does go mainstream, though, it should have a big positive impact on wireless network reliability, speed, and availability wherever it’s in use. That’s good news at a time when wireless devices are clogging up airwaves all around the world with no end in sight. The only remaining question is – how long until the future of WiFi becomes the technology of today?

If you are looking to improve the performance of your wireless network then you might be considering purchasing a wifi repeater or signal booster. It is important to understand the differences in options when extending your wireless network.

If you pay any attention to the world of home networking, then you may be familiar with the concept of a “WiFi repeater” or perhaps even a “WiFi range extender.” WiFi repeaters are pretty straightforward network tools. They extend the range of your wireless network. They do so by recieving the wireless signal from the router and then rebroadcasting it for other devices to connect. People who are interested in wireless networking often learn about all the advantages of these repeaters. If you’re looking to increase WiFi range with optimal convenience, then it may be time for you to explore all of your WiFi booster choices.

These devices can do a lot for people who wish to enhance their WiFi network coverage. They function by connecting to the wifi signal of your existing router. The repeater then rebroadcasts the wireless connection for other devices to connect. If you invest in one of these repeaters, you basically can multiply your network’s coverage space. You can get coverage in distant nooks and crannies all around your office or residence. Some people want to get coverage in their backyards or even upstairs and downstairs. WiFi repeaters, extenders and boosters aren’t too different at all. They in many cases offer similar functions and perks to users.

More Wifi Bars in More Places

There’s one main perk that’s associated with the assistance of WiFi range extenders. They’re capable of enhancing wireless signal power. Although they’re capable of doing that, they do not push people to have to change the locations of their routers or computers. A computer that’s nowhere close to its designated wireless router may have a signal that isn’t exactly impressive. Poor signals aren’t good news. They can lead to Internet connections that are unbearably sluggish. They can lead to Internet connections that experience seemingly nonstop disruptions as well. If you take the time to put a wireless repeater somewhere in the middle of a router and a computer, then it may provide said computer with a signal that’s markedly more “robust.” This can bring upon the convenience of smoother online operations.

Cheaper and More Efficient Networking

Restricted coverage can be a source of significant annoyance. If a sole wireless router has coverage that’s not exactly extensive in scope, then it may restrict the amount of components that can hook up with the associated network. This gives users no choice but to have to buy multiple routers. It gives them no choice but to have to put them in places all around their residences. This can cost a lot of money. It can be pretty time-consuming and bewildering as well. It can be exasperating to have to maintain numerous networks in the same exact structure. Wireless extenders open people up to being able to enable others to utilize a single router by rebroadcasting the wireless signal. This can decrease costs while saving a significant amount of time. It can eliminate all kinds of hassles, too.

WiFi Repeaters and Purchase Factors

You should approach all of your options in WiFi repeaters with sufficient caution. That’s the reason that you should think about a number of factors in advance. Think carefully about the exact spot of your wireless router. It should be in a location that can lead to a signal that’s clearer. If you have your router in a questionable spot, then the assistance of an extender may be somewhat pointless to you. It can help you to transfer your router to a better spot. Steer clear of cramped nooks and crannies. Opt for the middle parts of rooms if at all possible. Don’t be afraid of a bit of trial and error when testing router and repeater location.

Think about the caliber of your router. It’s critical to have one that features 802.11ac abilities. It’s vital to stay away from wireless N repeater options if your router supports AC. Routers that have 802.11ac abilities are known for speed and you might want to consider first upgrading your router to one with 802.11ac capabilities. You can wireless AC routers in conjunction with devices that you had in the past, too. This can be helpful for people who don’t want to have to think about going through any updates.

Think about your use patterns. Who exactly utilizes your existing WiFi network? Count the total number of individuals. Describe their “consumption” patterns. You may have one person who has a mobile device for online research purposes. You may have another who utilizes a desktop computer for video streaming applications. The list continues. Pondering your patterns may help you get to the bottom of things. You may have an Internet connection that just isn’t speedy enough. It may not have the ability to accommodate multiple individuals simultaneously. If you’re in that situation, then the reality is that the help of a WiFi range extender just won’t cut it. If you wish to increase WiFi range, then you may have to explore other avenues. Extenders can come in handy for networks that consist of individuals and their mobile devices. If you’re frustrated by network concerns and don’t have to worry about an abundance of users, then that’s most likely a sign that you have a wireless router that honestly isn’t up to par. Extenders may be able to do a lot for folks who are in that situation.

The cooperation of software that can map signals can do a lot for people who are planning on purchasing extenders. Software can do a lot for people who wish to assess their speeds accurately. Numerous apps out there are capable of figuring out the strengths of the latest WiFi signals. If you get your hands on one of these apps, then you may be able to pinpoint all of the parts of your living space that are lacking in the WiFi signal department. Some apps that assist people with assessments are accessible totally free of charge. If you secure an app, then you may be able to locate the ideal spot for your wireless router. Don’t forget for a second about speed tests. These tests can clue you in regarding the status of your Internet. If you’re trying to figure out if your Internet is operational, then an in-depth test can assist you greatly.

Some people may get more out of utilizing connections that are wired. You shouldn’t rule out the concept of wired connections and all of their possibilities. Dismissing them can be a huge mistake. If you’re keen on the concept of reliability in connectivity, then a wired arrangement may actually be the way to go for you. Wired arrangements empower people who want to see to it that they can maintain strong connections time and time again. Remember, it can help you to get rid of devices that are connected to your network. Doing so can open you up to more bandwidth for other devices on your wireless network. You can also consider installing multiple wireless access points around your home by running ethernet cable to each access point. Installing multiple access points will require more work unless you already have ethernet cable running throughout your house.

Scoring a WiFi extender may do a lot for people who wish to feel liberated from their weak wifi network. If you dread being stuck to certain parts of your home, then you should research these devices today.