In an increasingly connected world where our devices form the backbone of daily life, the evolution of Wi-Fi standards plays a crucial role. From streaming movies and conducting virtual meetings to gaming and smart home automation, each iteration promises faster speeds, better coverage and enhanced reliability.
It comes in waves — which is fitting because Wi-Fi was first developed in Hawaii in 1971. It later became known as “WaveLAN” in 1991.
Let’s dive into the key differences and benefits of Wi-Fi 5, 6 and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7.
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Introduced in 2014, Wi-Fi 5 marked a significant leap forward from its predecessor, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). It operates primarily in the 5 gigahertz (GHz) band and supports multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) technology. Some key features include:
- Speed
- Offers theoretical speeds up to 6.9 gigabits per second (Gbps)
- Frequency
- Primarily uses 5 GHz band, with backward compatibility to 2.4 GHz
- Benefits
- Improved data rates, better performance in crowded environments and reduced interference
- Security
- Wi-Fi 5 supports Wi-Fi protected access security protocols WPA and WPA2, which are standards that protect wireless networks
Wi-Fi 5 brought faster internet to homes and businesses, supporting more devices simultaneously with less congestion. But coverage is an issue with Wi-Fi 5. Even though the 5 GHz band is faster, its coverage area is smaller compared to that of the 2.4 GHz band. As technology continued to evolve, so did the demand for even greater capabilities.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6 emerged in 2019, and is designed to address the challenges posed by the growing number of connected devices and increasing data demands. It improves upon Wi-Fi 5 in several ways:
- Speed
- Offers theoretical speeds up to 9.6 Gbps
- Efficiency
- Uses advanced techniques like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT) to manage data more effectively
- OFDMA allows for multiple users to transmit data at the same time
- In simple terms, TWT means when the network is not in use, it can “sleep” until it’s needed
- Frequency
- Operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
- It’s noteworthy that yet another Wi-Fi 6 protocol (Wi-Fi 6e) adds the 6 GHz band
- Benefits
- Higher throughput, reduced latency, better performance in dense environments and improved battery life for connected devices
- Security
- Wi-Fi 6 supports WPA, WPA2 and the latest WPA3 security protocols
Wi-Fi 6 not only boosts speeds but also enhances the overall efficiency and security of wireless networks, making it ideal for environments with a high density of connected devices, such as offices, stadiums and smart homes.
Beamforming
Wi-Fi 4 and 5 have always had beamforming, which means the signal transmission can target a specific device and send it data it needs instead of broadcasting it everywhere. Imagine a laser pointer going from your device to the access point, and within that laser is all the data only your device is requesting.
In Wi-Fi 5, there were only four antennas that performed this process. In Wi-Fi 6 there are now eight antennas. This translates to faster data, even with more connected devices.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
While Wi-Fi 7 has yet to be fully standardized (expected around 2024-2025), it promises to further push the boundaries of wireless technology. Some anticipated features include:
- Speed
- Expected to offer theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps
- Efficiency
- Further improvements in efficiency and reduced latency by using 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 megahertz (MHz) channels (not to be confused with 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands)
- Technology
- Likely to incorporate advancements like Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM or also known as 4K QAM), Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and 802.11ay for extended range and higher speeds
- MU-MIMO lets a single access point simultaneously transmit data to multiple devices, which reduces congestion and increases speed
- QAM combines two signals into one for greater bandwidth
- Benefits
- Even faster speeds, lower latency, improved reliability and better performance in ultra-high-density scenarios
- Security
- Keeps the same security as Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 7 aims to meet the demands of futuristic applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and the Internet of Things (IoT), where reliable, high-speed connectivity is paramount.
Choosing the Right Wi-Fi Standard
When deciding which Wi-Fi standard is best for your needs, consider factors such as the number of devices, types of applications and budget. Wi-Fi 6 is currently the most widely available and offers significant improvements over Wi-Fi 5, making it a solid choice for most consumers and businesses. However, as Wi-Fi 7 becomes standardized and adopted, its enhanced capabilities will make it the go-to choice for innovative applications requiring ultra-fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
It’s important to note that devices must support the technology you are installing. For example, if you have a warehouse and use older Symbol scanners, these devices may only operate on Wi-Fi 4. You will need to review the specifications on the devices to ensure compatibility. Likewise, if you buy a cell phone and it only supports up to Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 isn’t going to do anything for you.
Another important note is the “theoretical” speeds. Those speeds are in a controlled lab with no interference, no other devices, set up as a “perfect” environment. While the technology can support up to those speeds, it’s not entirely realistic to expect to get that speed. Other factors such as cabling, switching, routing and internet speeds are all factors, as Wi-Fi will only operate as fast as its weakest link.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, each Wi-Fi generation builds upon the last, offering faster speeds, greater efficiency and improved performance in diverse environments. Whether you’re streaming 4K videos, gaming competitively or managing a smart home, staying informed about Wi-Fi advancements ensures you’re always at the forefront of connectivity innovation. As technology continues to evolve, so too will our expectations of what’s possible in the realm of wireless networking.
Need Help?
Our Technology Solutions Group is here to help with your Wi-Fi and other network needs. You can contact us online or call 410.685.5512 with any questions.
