Wi-Fi has all the time been a numbers recreation. Each Wi-Fi normal derives from the IEEE 802.11 working group, every with a distinct suffix that corresponds to its respective shorthand title. As we speak’s commonest Wi-Fi requirements embrace Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
Wi-fi networking distributors tout the massive throughput numbers every normal can allow. Nonetheless, those that work in wi-fi networking, particularly Wi-Fi, know the truth tells a distinct story. Every normal differs from the final, even when they share the identical working group. It is typically troublesome to maintain all of them straight, however it’s an excellent begin to outline the fundamentals.
Wi-Fi 6 and 6E
Each Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E share the identical Wi-Fi normal: 802.11ax. Within the early a part of the usual’s tenure, it solely operated on the two.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This early model of the usual is Wi-Fi 6. Later, the 802.11ax normal introduced the 6 GHz spectrum to Wi-Fi after the FCC accepted the 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz frequency vary for Wi-Fi use within the U.S. To distinguish 802.11ax earlier than 6 GHz from 802.11ax with 6 GHz, Wi-Fi Alliance — a nonprofit group that develops Wi-Fi — named the up to date normal Wi-Fi 6E.
As a result of each Wi-Fi sorts share the identical normal, they’ve the identical crucial characteristic set. Capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E embrace the next:
- 160 MHz large channels. Probably the most used widths in all bands are 20 MHz and 40 MHz. Nonetheless, the 6 GHz spectrum makes use of 80 MHz the place precision designs are in play. Solely uncommon environments help 160 MHz large channels — and solely in 6 GHz.
- Orthogonal frequency division a number of entry (OFDMA). OFDMA presents multiclient effectivity acquire in comparison with long-running single-device orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing.
- 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Wi-Fi 7 replaces 256 QAM with 1024 QAM. The upper modulation scheme allows quicker top-end information charges if a given state of affairs has the correct traits to make use of the higher-speed characteristic units.
- Primary service set (BSS) coloring. BSS coloring helps Wi-Fi shoppers function extra effectively within the presence of a close-by wi-fi LAN (WLAN) with the identical frequencies.
Wi-Fi 7
The newest IEEE wi-fi networking normal, 802.11be — also referred to as Wi-Fi 7 — operates on the identical spectrum bands as Wi-Fi 6E: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. As with every earlier wi-fi normal, Wi-Fi 7 consists of new options that promise greater efficiency on a well-designed community freed from interference.
New options Wi-Fi 7 presents embrace the next:
- Channel widths as much as 320 MHz within the 6 GHz spectrum. The very best throughput estimates want 320 MHz large channels. Nonetheless, this most throughput is extra theoretical, as limitations of 6 GHz will make it exhausting to maintain these speeds realistically.
- 4096 QAM. When achievable, 4096 QAM modulation packs 4 instances the quantity of knowledge into every transmitted sign in comparison with Wi-Fi 6’s most 256 QAM. Vendor messaging would possibly make it look like all Wi-Fi 7 connections use 4096 QAM, however this is not true. Most Wi-Fi 7 connections use lesser modulation schemes due to situational situations.
- Multi-link operation (MLO). MLO allows simultaneous communication between shopper gadgets and entry factors (APs) on a number of frequency bands for greater mixture information charges. Nonetheless, it is unclear how viable this shall be over time, as a tool’s potential to help MLO is determined by its {hardware} specs.
A strong wi-fi design is crucial for all Wi-Fi requirements to carry out to their potential. Larger frequency indicators have a decreased usable vary on the identical output energy. This implies 6 GHz networks want extra APs than WLANs constructed on Wi-Fi 6 and earlier. As a result of smaller gadgets have fewer antennas, shopper capabilities are much less in networks with primarily cell gadgets, comparable to telephones and tablets, than in networks with bigger gadgets, like laptops.
Wi-Fi 6 promised max speeds of as much as 10 Gbps, whereas Wi-Fi 7 touts theoretical speeds above 40 Gbps. Nonetheless, real-world conditions aren’t more likely to obtain these values. Most shopper gadgets will not see these speeds within the community surroundings, which solely provides to the inevitable fog that’s a part of trendy Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are the three most up-to-date sorts of Wi-Fi know-how. Though the three requirements have some traits in widespread — for instance, all three use the WPA3 protocol for safety — they every provide completely different capabilities.
The important thing distinction between Wi-Fi 6 and 6E is the efficiency enhance Wi-Fi 6E presents over Wi-Fi 6. Amongst different efficiency advantages, Wi-Fi 6E’s enhancements allow it to offer quicker speeds, decrease latency and extra capability over Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 7 builds upon this additional with the 802.11be normal, which delivers enhancements to help high-demand purposes. The desk beneath compares Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
| Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 | |
|
IEEE normal |
802.11ax |
802.11ax |
802.11be |
|
Spectrum (GHz) |
2.4, 5 |
2.4, 5, 6 |
2.4, 5, 6 |
|
Most spatial streams |
8 |
8 |
16 |
|
MLO |
No |
No |
Sure |
|
Most information charge (theoretical) |
9.6 |
9.6 |
30+ |
|
Required safety |
WPA3 |
WPA3 |
WPA3 |
Lee Badman is a community architect specializing in wi-fi and cloud applied sciences for a big non-public college. He is additionally an creator and frequent presenter at trade occasions.
