What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 (also known as IEEE 802.11ax) is the 6th generation of wireless standards that was introduced in 2019. WiFi 6 delivers significant improvements over previous standards - it provides faster data transfer rates, enabling quicker file downloads and uploads for users. With an increased network capacity, users can experience seamless connectivity, reducing latency (delay in the system) and ensuring a smoother overall online experience [2].

What is WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E is the extended version of WiFi 6, as it “extends” the capabilities of its original version [3]. WiFi 6E takes advantage of the expanded 6 GHz frequency band, which better supports certain high-bandwidth applications such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 4K/8K streaming. Provided its low latency, it is effective in mitigating network congestion issues commonly encountered in crowded environments [2].

What is WiFi 7?

WiFi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is the most recent generation of WiFi, providing a faster and more stable connection compared to the previous generation [2]. Similar to the WiFi 6E standard, WiFi 7 will leverage the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. However, its 6 GHz frequency band has a bandwidth of 320 MHz, which is double the bandwidth of that in WiFi 6E [4]. This makes the WiFi 7 standard even better equipped to handle the growing demand for further high-bandwidth and low-latency applications.

Summary: WiFi6/6E vs WiFi 7

The following summarizes the key differences between WiFi 6/6E and 7 [5]: 

So, Which WiFi Standard Should You Use?

It depends. All of the WiFi standards explored above consist of fast and stable connectivity, with some providing more of these capabilities than others. For example, if you are an owner of a small coffee shop with an IT budget constraint, it’s most likely that a WiFi 6 router would be sufficient in ensuring smooth operation of your business. However, if you decide to install IoT devices, engage in cloud gaming or high quality video streaming, it would be more beneficial to acquire a WiFi 6E router to obtain a high-bandwidth, low-latency connection [2].

While WiFi 7 introduces significant improvements, a router and device that both incorporate WiFi 7 hardware are necessary to reap the benefits of this new standard. Unfortunately, due to its recent launch, there are currently not as many WiFi 7 devices available in the market. As the Wi-Fi Alliance must provide certification to device manufacturers, we may see a wave of WiFi 7-ready devices in the coming year [6].

Considering the limited availability of WiFi 7 devices, the upgrade to this new standard may only be worthwhile if you prioritize staying at the forefront of technological advancements and are willing to invest in the latest hardware.

How can you Leverage WiFI with FansWiFi?

Regardless of the type of WiFi standard you choose to utilize, our solution can be seamlessly integrated into your operations. FansWiFi is an innovative social WiFi marketing platform that serves as a digital touchpoint for businesses to gain valuable insights into their customers and drive greater engagement, loyalty, and growth. Our solution leverages WiFi access to understand customer behavior such as their preferences, demographics, and dwell time, which are then comprehensively summarized and visualized using our data analytics tools. All you will need is an Access Point (AP)  to seamlessly integrate our solution into your business. Learn more about FansWiFi here!