Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6 is designed to improve efficiency with up to 4x faster speeds and more capacity than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It also offers stronger guest and password security with WPA3 and Enhanced Open.
Wi-Fi 6 Explained
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, expands on the 802.11ac standard. Wi-Fi 6 provides increased speed, flexibility, and scalability to support growth in the number of IoT and client devices, increased use of cloud, and digital transformation initiatives. It enables IT to keep pace with increased demand for Wi-Fi leveraging the same 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands as Wi-Fi 5.
Why Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?
The demand for wireless access is dramatically increasing, and the number and variety of devices and applications continues to grow. Wi-Fi 6 helps accommodate the growing number of mobile and IoT devices by increasing network efficiency and speed.
Wi-Fi 6 Benefits
- Higher data rates with 1024 QAM
- Increased capacity
- Improved performance in environments with many connected devices
- Improved power efficiency
- Enhanced support for IoT devices
Wi-Fi 6 Features
- OFDMA - Effectively shares channels to increase network efficiency
- Multi-user MIMO - Allows more downlink data to be transferred at one time
- Target Wake Time (TWT) - Significantly improves network efficiency and device battery life
- WPA3 and Enhanced Open - Strengthen user privacy in open networks
Wi-Fi 6-Enabled Access Points
Explore our range of Wi-Fi 6 access points for indoor, outdoor, and remote deployments.
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6
See how Wi-Fi 6 compares to Wi-Fi 5 in key performance areas.
| Feature | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11n/ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
|---|---|---|
| Channels available | 20/40/80/160 MHz | 20/40/80/160 MHz |
| Bands used | 2.4 and 5 GHz | 2.4 and 5 GHz |
| Maximum # Spatial Streams (SS) | 4x4 | 8x8 |
| Highest order of modulation | 256-QAM | 1024-QAM |
| Multi-user MIMO | Downlink only | Uplink and downlink |
| OFDMA | No | Yes |
| IoT Target Wake Time | No | Yes |
| BSS Coloring | No | Yes |
| Enhanced Open | No | Yes |
| WPA3 | No | Yes |
Note: Although 80/160 MHz channels are supported, they are not typically used due to high channel utilization. Wi-Fi 6E and the 6 GHz channel addresses this by providing up to seven additional 80/160 MHz channels.
How Do I Choose a Wi-Fi 6 Vendor?
Your Wi-Fi vendor should:
- Demonstrate industry leadership as recognized by leading analysts such as Gartner, Forrester, and IDC
- Deliver built-in security with unified policy enforcement across wired and wireless networks
- Simplify operations by using AI and machine learning to automate optimization and provide actionable recommendations
- Offer secure, energy efficient IoT capabilities to enable you to leverage APs as an IoT connectivity platform
- Provide the flexibility to manage on-prem or in the cloud and to deploy with or without gateways
Related Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Resources
Wi-Fi 6 delivers greater efficiency, security, and IoT innovation to support more users and devices.
Wi-Fi 6 Quick Reference Guide
Summarizes Wi-Fi 6 information including channel information, data rates, highlights, and benefits.
What Makes Wi-Fi 6 Work?
Describes what Wi-Fi 6 is, how it solves today's digital challenges, and how you can deliver this enhanced technology.
WPA3 and Enhanced Open: Next Generation Wi-Fi Security
Describes the advantages and benefits of WPA3 and Enhanced Open and how they are a long overdue evolution for Wi-Fi security.
Ready to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6?
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