If you've bought a new smartphone, laptop, or router in the last couple of years, you've probably seen the term "Wi-Fi 6". But is it just a marketing gimmick, or is it a meaningful upgrade over the still-common Wi-Fi 5?

What is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of wireless networking technology. While it does offer higher theoretical top speeds than its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), its main advantage isn't just about speed. It's about efficiency.

The Key Advantage: Better Performance in Crowded Environments

The single biggest improvement in Wi-Fi 6 is its ability to handle many devices at once without slowing down. It uses technologies like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, rather than making them wait in line.

Think of Wi-Fi 5 as a delivery truck that can only serve one house at a time. Wi-Fi 6 is like a delivery truck that can drop off packages to multiple houses on the same trip. In a modern smart home with dozens of connected devices (phones, laptops, TVs, smart speakers, lights), this efficiency makes a huge difference.

Other Benefits of Wi-Fi 6

  • Higher Speeds: While the real-world difference might not always be dramatic, Wi-Fi 6 can be up to 40% faster than Wi-Fi 5 under ideal conditions.
  • Better Battery Life: A feature called Target Wake Time (TWT) allows devices to "sleep" for longer periods, conserving battery life, which is especially useful for smart home sensors and mobile devices.
  • Improved Security: Wi-Fi 6 mandates the use of the latest WPA3 security protocol, making your network harder to hack.

Is it Time to Upgrade?

You should consider upgrading your router to Wi-Fi 6 if:

  • You have an internet plan faster than 500 Mbps.
  • You have more than 15-20 devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
  • You live in a crowded area like an apartment building with lots of network congestion.
  • Your current router is more than 4-5 years old.

To take full advantage, your devices (like your phone and laptop) also need to support Wi-Fi 6, though the router is still backward-compatible with older devices.