WiFi technology has witnessed consistent advancements in meeting the growing demand for faster speeds and support for a huge array of devices since its establishment of the Wi-Fi Alliance in 1999. The popularity expanded to the extent that its terms have become quite prevalent. These days, it serves as the only internet connection across a massive array of clients that ranges from data-driven devices like smartphones, laptops, set-top boxes, and TVs to data-tweeting IoT gadgets that send out frequent updates like home or office appliances.
Studies have found that annual WiFi-based device shipments constantly rose, projected to pass 5 billion units by 2028. The key driving force for future growth is estimated to arrive from the Smart or Connected Home, IoT, and wearable market segments.
WiFi 6, also considered as the 802.11ax, had been launched in 2019. It is considered the 6th generation standard WiFi technology. It transmitted its data across the dual bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. WiFi 6 is often backed by superior technology that enhances its performance. It comes with MU-MIMO allows it to manage a greater number of devices without impacting performance and speed. The other feature is that OFDMA plays a pivotal part in efficient data transmission in crowded areas, bigger walls, and several other obstacles.
WiFi 7 further known as 802.11be, forms the latest WiFi technology that transmits data across three bands, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, indicating that it has more frequency bands. WiFi 7 has just the MLO or Multi-Link Operation that significantly increases the data transfer rate while reducing latency. Furthermore, it enables the devices to send and receive data across varied frequency bands and channels. It has a huge benefit over WiFi 6; however, it is still yet to be released, and the users need to wait for its compatible devices.
WiFi 7 and WiFi 6 are entirely different standards and technologies in Wi-Fi. This is the reason behind their differences. Let us find out more about their key differences.
WiFi 7 has a massive speed difference compared to WiFi 6. It is about four times faster than WiFi 6, with the maximum speed reaching 46Gbps. There is a significant difference across the network speeds. These speeds move closer to those of the previous Ethernet connection. But the internet speed will only differ with the multi-gig internet connection. 10+ gigabit connections are only available if you are creating a data center or something more enterprise-level.
Therefore, considering that WiFi 6’s speed is closer to that of 10 Gbps, you will uncover the differences related to its browsing or download speeds. But consider setting it up at the proximity wireless network for sharing data between devices.
One notable difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 is the number of frequency bands. WiFi 6 has two bands, notably 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Alternatively, WiFi 7 has three bands, notably 2 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. These varied bands often determine where and how effective these WiFi routers are. Let us find out about the three bands and how they are designed.
Therefore, you can decide why you need the third band or 6GHz. If you require that, then you should get the WiFi 7 or WiFi 6E router.
WiFi 7 renders significant enhancements in terms of performance, as it is not just about speed. The 6GHz band will have a higher throughput so that you can use it for more intensive tasks.
But the highly essential feature is known as multi-link operation, or MLO. WiFi 7 uses the MLO mode to connect to the device at two varied frequencies. This way, there is greater space for data flow. Therefore, when it comes to data transfer and the reliability of the network, you will find a major difference. Similarly, the WiFi 7 has a bandwidth of 20 MHz to 320 MHz. It significantly elevates the reliability of the WiFi connections in having a better gain over the wired Ethernet connection.
We should also consider the progress made in the following areas: MU-MIMO / DL MU-MIMO / UL & DL MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and enhanced QAM. QAM is seen as data density, whereby data are boosted by using Wi-Fi 7, resulting in a better overall Wi-Fi experience. In contrast, Wi-Fi 6 can solely be defined by the standard numbers and the bandwidth options. Therefore, if you require extra speed and reliability, you may opt for Wi-Fi 7 compared to Wi-Fi 6.
Currently, both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 provide an equal or similar reach across bands. Somewhere, you might expect to see the difference because Wi-Fi 7 has been introduced with three bands instead of 2. However, the band is added for additional reliability and, more importantly, low latency, not to enhance the range of the signal. In this case, there will be one 2.4 GHz band, one 5 GHz band, and a 6GHz band. Bands 5GHz and 6GHz have received more power boost from features such as high data density.
Now, imagine you want to buy a Wi-Fi 7 router or want the latest version of that router. The only thing that you require to be most concerned with is compatibility. There are two aspects to this: one is compatibility with the device and the second is the availability of the devices. WiFi 7 compatibility proves effective in terms of communicating with past-generation devices. Considerably, irrespective of whether you get a WiFi 6 or WiFi 5 device, WiFi 7 provides compatible. Naturally you will only be able to gain better speeds or additional bandwidths if the device is compatible with the WiFi 7.
The other is the matter of these devices’ availability. WiFi7 was brought a few months ago, and companies have not even begun to adopt the new systems yet. Therefore, it will take a year or two before seeing the full implementation of Wi-Fi 7. Thus, you should expect a complete infrastructure redesign if you want all the features of Wi-Fi 7.
Wi-Fi 7 is still under development, and you have to wait until the device is launched. Secondly, yes, let’s even assume that you are able to purchase Wi-Fi 7 routers in a few months after the launch, which is Wi-Fi 7. There will be a few Wi-Fi 7 devices. As it conforms to the past standards, it might not operate through the full potential of Wi-Fi 7 without appropriate wireless devices. So, the first time anyone uses Wi-Fi, people will need to replace their devices, which means that initially, the cost will be somewhat high.
Wi-Fi 6 is widely available. Many affordable routers support Wi-Fi 6, and even new devices have this compatibility. It depends on your needs. If you want a future-proof Wi-Fi that will last a long time, you could wait for Wi-Fi 7. Secondly, for higher data rates or speed and better performance, especially in regions with high density, Wi-Fi 7 outperforms Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 7 is the future advancement of Wi-Fi that is even better than the current ones. It will be the best make, speed, or performance. However, the pro-technology change of this new method will not be immediate and will take some time before its effects are widely felt. On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6 is one of the existing networks that provides relatively great performance. In this paper, we have talked about what these Wi-Fi standards are and the distinctions between them. Now, you can quickly compare which one will suit your requirements best.
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