What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the next big step in wireless connectivity. Every new generation of Wi-Fi makes things faster, smarter, and more efficient, keeping up with the ever-growing demand for seamless internet. About every five to seven years, a new standard rolls out, tackling the challenges of more devices, higher data speeds, and the need for rock-solid reliability.

Wi-Fi 6 is built for today’s connected world, delivering ultra-fast speeds, stronger performance, and better efficiency—whether you’re streaming in 4K, battling it out in online games, or just juggling a house full of devices. And while Wi-Fi 7 is already on the horizon, Wi-Fi 6 remains the go-to choice for most homes and businesses, offering a major leap in performance without skipping a beat.

If you’ve ever dealt with buffering, laggy video calls, or sluggish speeds, Wi-Fi 6 might be exactly what you need. It’s designed to handle more devices, cut through congestion, and keep your connection rock-solid.

But what exactly makes it different from previous versions?

What is the difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) has been the go-to standard for years, but Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) takes things up a notch—boosting speed, efficiency, and reliability like never before. Here’s how it levels up:

• Faster speeds: Whoosh! Wi-Fi 6 can hit speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps—leaving Wi-Fi 5’s 3.5 Gbps in the dust. That means quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and ultra-responsive gaming. No lag, no waiting, just pure speed.
• Better efficiency: Got a house full of gadgets? No problem. Wi-Fi 6 is built to handle way more devices at once—without the slowdowns. Whether it’s smartphones, smart TVs, or a full smart home setup, everyone stays connected, fast, and frustration-free.
• Lower latency: Say goodbye to delays! Wi-Fi 6 slashes lag, making gaming, video calls, and live streaming buttery smooth—even when multiple devices are connected.
• Stronger signal, better reach: Wi-Fi 6 can maintain a more stable connection through walls and obstacles compared to Wi-Fi 5. Technologies like beamforming help direct the signal toward devices, enhancing coverage and reliability.
• Upgraded security: Wi-Fi 6 includes WPA3, an upgraded security protocol that improves encryption and protects against cyber threats.

How fast is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 can deliver speeds up to 9.6 Gbps (gigabits per second), which is nearly three times faster than the previous Wi-Fi 5 standard, which maxed out at 3.5 Gbps. While actual speeds may vary based on factors like your router and network conditions, Wi-Fi 6 still provides a significant improvement for most users, offering faster downloads, smoother streaming, and quicker file transfers.

Efficiency with multiple devices

In today’s connected world, homes and offices are filled with devices that rely on Wi-Fi, from smartphones to smart TVs to laptops. Wi-Fi 6 steps up to the challenge with OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology, letting your router chat with multiple devices at once, rather than one at a time. This cuts down on congestion and makes sure each device gets the bandwidth it needs, so everything runs smoothly.

What is MU-MIMO?

MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) is a technology that allows a Wi-Fi router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, rather than one at a time. This improves the efficiency and speed of the network, especially when many devices are connected. Without MU-MIMO, a router communicates with each device sequentially, which can slow things down as more devices join the network. With MU-MIMO, the router sends data to multiple devices simultaneously, reducing lag and improving overall performance.

This is particularly useful in homes and offices where many devices are connected and using the network at once. Wi-Fi 6 includes this technology, ensuring better use of available bandwidth and making the network run smoother, even in crowded environments.

Compatibility: Does it work with older devices?

Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with older devices that support previous Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), and earlier. This means that if you upgrade to a Wi-Fi 6 router, your older devices will still be able to connect to the network, but they won’t take advantage of the improved speeds and efficiency that Wi-Fi 6 offers. To fully experience the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, both your router and your device need to support the standard.

How many devices can Wi-Fi 6 handle?

Wi-Fi 6 is designed to support four times more devices than Wi-Fi 5. Whether it’s smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, or home automation gadgets, Wi-Fi 6 can keep them all connected without sacrificing speed or performance.

How do I know if I have a Wi-Fi 6 router?

To check if your router supports Wi-Fi 6:

1. Look for “Wi-Fi 6” or “802.11ax” on the router’s box or specifications.
2. Log into your router’s settings and check for Wi-Fi 6 support.
3. If your router is a few years old and doesn’t mention Wi-Fi 6, it’s likely using an older Wi-Fi standard.

Is Wi-Fi 6 worth it?

If you're juggling multiple devices, streaming, gaming, or working from home, Wi-Fi 6 is definitely worth it. It boosts your speeds, reduces latency, and enhances performance in busy environments. But if you only have a few devices and your current setup is working well, upgrading might not be an urgent need.

Is Wi-Fi 6 better than Ethernet?

Ethernet is still the gold standard for the most stable and fastest connection, especially for gaming and professional use. However, Wi-Fi 6 closes the gap, offering impressive speeds and lower latency, making it a strong alternative for users who prefer a wireless setup.

To wrap it all up, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest technology that takes your internet experience to the next level. Whether you’re looking to boost performance in a busy environment or simply enjoy smoother browsing, Wi-Fi 6 delivers impressive results.

At GoFibre, we’re all about bringing you the best connection. That’s why when you sign up for full fibre, you’ll get a standard Wi-Fi 6 router for free—giving you a super-solid connection right out of the box. If you're after a bit more power, some of our packages also include an advanced Wi-Fi 6 router. You can easily check which packages include this upgrade on our full fibre page.