Wi-Fi 6, otherwise known as 802.11ax is here! It’s the next generation in router technology and a backward compatible upgrade over the previous generation of Wi-Fi 802.11ac. With Wi-Fi 6, users will be able to experience increased network capacity, better network performance, better security and faster internet speeds.
If you’re considering buying a new router, you’ll find this article helpful. No matter your internet provider, whether it be MetroNet, Frontier, Verizon, AT&T, or GotW3 broadband, we’re going to go over the advantages, disadvantages, where you can find and the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6.
Advantages Of Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 is the near future proof with its newest features. If you’re in the market for a Wi-Fi 6 router, you’ll soon be able to experience these benefits:
- Better Wi-Fi experience for all when many devices are connected simultaneously
- Better security with new security protocol WPA3
- Longer battery life for your devices with its new target wake time feature
While a Wi-Fi 6 is a solid purchase, most families have not upgraded their devices within the past year to really take advantage of the Wi-Fi 6 technology. Your family will need new laptops, phones and more sometime soon. However, purchasing a router is an investment and will be a smart one to serve for the life of the device.
Disadvantages Of Wi-Fi 6
Before you drop everything and run out to buy a Wi-Fi 6 router, there are also some disadvantages:
- You need Gigabit internet speeds and higher to really take advantage of Wi-Fi technology
- Super new technology and upgrading is expensive
- Slightly smaller range compared to its predecessor
Unless you’ve recently purchased new devices, it may be in your and your family’s best interest to hold off on buying a Wi-Fi 6 router unless you’re in the market for one right now.
How Fast Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 isn’t all about internet speeds, but it is a great improvement. Wi-Fi 6 has an official rating of 9.6 Gbps, which is three times faster than the previous generation. While that’s awesome, most people won’t notice the massive increase of speed capabilities. Broadband service in America is simply not that fast for the majority to take advantage of this new technology.
What does have our attention is the better security from WPA3 that Wi-Fi 6 is bringing to families. WPA3 is a monumental upgrade that everyone should consider to upgrade to. It addresses the shortfalls of WPA2 by providing greater protection for simpler passwords and individualized encryption.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. Restart the router before you begin troubleshooting your router. This will often solve your relationship problems. Restarting your router can also interfere with malicious attacks on your network and unwanted guests. To restart your router, you need to turn it off for about a minute and then turn it on again.
If you don’t have a password on your Wi-Fi network, do so as soon as possible. When your Wi-Fi network is open to anyone who can connect, everyone will connect and slow down your network significantly. Right now you may have a connected user or someone with malicious intent. To start and stop unwanted guests, create a secure password for your WiFi.
If you have a newer router, your router may have updated its own firmware in the background. However, you should check it out. Your router firmware is very important software which will help your router function optimally. It’s not updated nearly as often as your laptop or cell phone, but it does update regularly. Firmware updates are used to fix security issues, vulnerabilities, or software exploits that cybercriminals may exploit.
Where Can I Find Wi-Fi 6 Routers?
Wi-Fi 6 is available now and Wi-Fi 6 routers can be found at your local electronics store. Most devices made within the past year are Wi-Fi 6 capable. If you go shopping for a Wi-Fi 6 router, check the box or product listing to ensure it is indeed Wi-Fi 6 certified for the WPA3 security upgrade.
Although it’s too soon to really tell, we don’t recommend running out and buying the latest devices just because. Wi-Fi 6 is great, but is not world changing for any one particular device.
