What is Wi-Fi 6?

What it is

Older Wi-Fi mostly served devices one at a time, so a busy network spent a lot of time waiting. Wi-Fi 6 changes how the access point and devices share the airtime.

• OFDMA: splits a channel into smaller slices, so one transmission can carry data for several devices together. It helps most with many small messages, such as phones, sensors and badge readers.
• Target wake time: a device agrees with the access point on when it will next wake up to talk, so battery powered gear sleeps longer.
• Wi-Fi 6E: the same standard with the 6 GHz band added. That band has more channels and no older devices on it. The Wi-Fi bands page explains how the bands differ.

Both ends have to support it. An older laptop on a Wi-Fi 6 access point is served the old way, and a new laptop on an older access point gets no benefit.

Why it matters to a business

• Crowded rooms: offices, clinics and retail floors with many phones, laptops and sensors are where Wi-Fi 6 helps most.
• Battery life: target wake time matters for handheld scanners and sensors that run all day.
• Upgrade order: replacing access points alone does little if the laptops and phones are older. Check the devices first.
• 6E reach: 6 GHz signals reach a little less far than 5 GHz and lose more through walls, so a 6E design may need more access points. Wi-Fi 7 is the next step after this one.

How this shows up in our work

The business Wi-Fi we install uses Ubiquiti UniFi access points, placed from a floor plan. We also supply and set up laptops under managed IT, so we can check that the laptops support what the access points offer before anyone pays for an upgrade.

Learn more

• Wi-Fi 6 on WikipediaAn overview of 802.11ax and its 6E variant, with the technical terms defined.
• IEEE 802.11 on WikipediaShows where 802.11ax sits among earlier and later Wi-Fi standards.
• Wi-Fi AllianceCertification information that helps buyers confirm a device supports Wi-Fi 6.