Modern businesses must possess lightning-fast internet speeds with seamless connectivity. The need to reliably connect is apparent when trying to stay ahead of the curve on digital platforms. You may think that your current plan works just fine, but you have to be knowledgeable about the modern advancements in internet services that can help you make informed decisions. Among the latest advancements in this arena are Wi-Fi 6 and its even more robust counterpart, Wi-Fi 6e.
What is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest iteration of Wi-Fi. It was released in 2019 and continues to be the Wi-Fi Alliance standard — until Wi-Fi 7 emerges. Wi-Fi 6 is an upgrade from Wi-Fi 5, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor. Several groundbreaking features were added to Wi-Fi 6 to redefine internet connectivity, with some of the most prominent being:
- The ability to handle more connected devices simultaneously through the use of bidirectional multi-user, multi-input, multi-output (MUMIMO) tech on the uplink and downlink — with Wi-Fi 5 only offering this on the downlink.
- Enhanced security through supporting the newest security protocol, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) instead of the Wi-Fi-5-supported WPA2.
- Better response times with the use of orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) that is only available with Wi-Fi 6, allowing access point (AP) connection with multiple clients at one time as opposed to one per channel with Wi-Fi 5.
- Substantial speed enhancements, including theoretical speeds up to 9.6 Gbps. Wi-Fi 6 has several improvements over Wi-Fi 5 that can specifically enhance business processes through smoother Internet of Things (IoT) integration and a better end-user experience. This can be particularly helpful if your operations are spread across multiple locations and you employ the use of video conferencing and virtual collaboration tools frequently.
What is Wi-Fi 6e?
Wi-Fi 6e is the "extended" version of Wi-Fi 6, offering even faster speeds and lower latencies. This iteration allows devices to operate in a 6 GHz band. Before this, Wi-Fi bands only included 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. To understand Wi-Fi bands, think of them as the frequency over which data is transmitted. Wi-Fi is designed to be carried over specific frequencies, and the lower the frequency, the more interference and longer load times you will experience. Wi-Fi 6e can be carried on a 6 GHz frequency, increasing bandwidth and the speed at which data is transferred, enabling faster and more reliable connections.
Comparing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e
When looking at the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e, you can think of Wi-Fi 6 as the base model. Just like when you are looking to purchase a vehicle, you can upgrade to a more expansive model to get the features you desire. Wi-Fi 6e features affect speed, range and compatible devices and routers. Use the following to distinguish which choice is right for your needs and preferences.
Wi-Fi 6 vs. 6e speeds and range
These two types of Wi-Fi are both impeccable choices for tailoring your internet service to your specific connectivity needs. Wi-Fi 6 already adds a significant boost in speed and range compared to its predecessors. With theoretical data rates up to 9.6 Gbps and the ability to handle a large number of devices simultaneously, Wi-Fi 6 can provide exceptional network performance. It excels in situations where fast and stable connections are required — for interactions with employees, customers or IoT devices. It also has increased range due to advanced beamforming and better signal penetration, which can be especially beneficial in larger office spaces or warehouses. Wi-Fi 6e, however, takes this to the next level. It offers more available channels with reduced interference, resulting in even higher data rates and lower latency. This is ideal for businesses that rely on applications like video conferencing, augmented reality or anything that requires large data loads. The extended range and reduced congestion further enhance the potential for seamless and reliable connectivity, making Wi-Fi 6e a fantastic choice for businesses where wireless performance is critical. To determine your business's internet speed requirements, consider:
- The number of devices connected daily
- The nature of daily online activities such as HD video streaming, data-intensive applications and large file transfers
- The size and layout of your workspace, as that may impact range
- The growth potential and scalability of your network These considerations may also change as your business grows.
Wi-Fi 6 vs. 6e routers
When choosing a router for your business or personal use, you should again take stock of your internet speed preferences. The primary difference between routers designed for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e lies in their frequency bands and capabilities. Routers for Wi-Fi 6 operate within the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, providing enhanced speeds, better device handling and improved range compared to previous generations. Routers compatible with Wi-Fi 6e are equipped to utilize the additional 6 GHz band, which offers more available channels and significantly reduced interference. This provides superior performance, particularly in crowded environments or if you use bandwidth-intensive applications. Wi-Fi 6E routers are engineered to harness this expanded spectrum, making them an excellent choice for top-tier wireless connectivity.
Wi-Fi 6 vs. 6e devices
Devices tailored to Wi-Fi 6 and 6e, respectively, also differ primarily in their ability to access the higher frequency bands. Much like the aforementioned routers, you will have to look for Wi-Fi 6-compatible devices like tablets, mobile phones, smart TVs, laptops and desktop computers. If you choose Wi-Fi 6e for reduced latency and greater range, you will need to match your devices to this choice as well. Many Apple, Motorola and other leading brands cater to this upgrade.
Wi-Fi 6 or 6e: Making the best choice for your business
Decisions regarding internet connectivity for your business are not to be taken lightly. Use the following tips to make an educated choice.
Wi-Fi 6 considerations for businesses
There are many instances in which Wi-Fi 6 can be an advantageous option. If you are purchasing Wi-Fi for a small business, for example, you may not need the enhanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 6e and can manage OR control costs by going with the already upgraded version. Wi-Fi 6 is an ideal fit for organizations with moderate to high device density, such as coffee shops, small offices or retail stores, where seamless connectivity for employees and customers is crucial. Additionally, the enhanced range and signal penetration of Wi-Fi 6 can reduce the need for additional access points, helping to keep infrastructure costs in check. There are, however, instances in which you may want to opt for Wi-Fi 6e.
Wi-Fi 6e considerations for businesses
If your Wi-Fi needs supersede that of Wi-Fi 6, it's best to look into investing in Wi-Fi 6e and its related devices. Instances where this would be the case include environments with a high density of devices, or being able to power devices that run applications that suck up bandwidth. Large businesses in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing are most likely to benefit the most from this enhanced connection.
Alternatives to Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e
Sometimes, Wi-Fi 6 and 6e aren't the most obvious choice for your business situation. For instance, if you mostly require internet connectivity in mobile scenarios, neither Wi-Fi 6 nor Wi-Fi 6E would be the optimal choice. These technologies are primarily designed for fixed-location networks and may not provide seamless connectivity while on the move. In such cases, businesses should consider 5G networks as they offer rapid and reliable internet access. This makes them ideal for businesses with mobile workforces, such as delivery services, transportation or field operations. By leveraging the capabilities of 5G, you get reliable connectivity while on the move, helping enhance productivity and enabling near real-time data access in dynamic environments.
