What is WiFi 6?

Everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6

You may already have heard of 6GHz Wi-Fi, often known as Wi-Fi 6E or just Wi-Fi 6, and if you haven’t fully explored it yet, you’re in for a treat.

The 6GHz channel has seriously enhanced the Wi-Fi situation, but if you’re new to it, you’ll undoubtedly have questions.

At Swoop, we’re here to help you understand your internet connection better, so keep on reading to learn more about Wi-Fi 6.

TLDR summary:

1. Understanding Wi-Fi channels
2. What is Wi-Fi 6?
3. The difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E
4. How to connect to Wi-Fi at 6GHz
5. Do I need 6GHz Wi-Fi?

First, understanding Wi-Fi channels

Up until now, Wi-Fi networks sent signals on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.

To understand what 6GHz Wi-Fi is, let’s take a look at how your Wi-Fi channels work. 

Traditionally, Wi-Fi networks sent signals on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz primary frequency bands. Think of these channels as little roads that send internet to linked devices. Each channel has advantages and disadvantages that make it appropriate for specific situations.

The 2.4GHz is susceptible to interference because it shares the frequency with many other devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors. It can penetrate walls and obstacles better, but this also means it can pick up interference from these sources.

In comparison, the 5GHz channel provides less congestion and faster speeds, but its signal range is shorter than that of the 2.4GHz band. 

In your device settings, you will usually see two network IDs for your home internet: “Your Wi-Fi Name” which is your 2.4GHz and “Your Wi-Fi Name_5G” which is your 5GHz.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

6GHz is the latest Wi-Fi standard offering faster speeds, increased efficiency, and improved capacity for more devices.

Here is how Wi-Fi 6 compares to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency.

So what is Wi-Fi 6 better for? 

Wi-Fi 6E has roughly twice as many 6GHz frequencies (channels within channels) as 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This means there is more room on the frequency spectrum for all connected devices to function, reducing interference and congestion on local networks. 

This makes Wi-Fi 6E ideal if you live in a location with a high density of networks, as it will make Wi-Fi 6 speed better than the more congested channels. 

However, there’s the issue of coverage. In general, higher frequencies make it more difficult for Wi-Fi signals to pass through solid objects. 

One of the few disadvantages of 6GHz Wi-Fi is that its range is shorter than 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If your property is larger, keep this in mind before you switch – you may need to also use a mesh system to ensure your entire home gets lightning-fast 6GHz coverage.

What’s the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6 operates on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6E extends this to include the 6GHz band, offering more spectrum and better performance.

WiFi 6E is an “extended” version of WiFi 6. In addition to supporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it also supports 6GHz. The 6GHz band has been approved for use in Australia since early 2022, enabling the sale of WiFi 6E routers. It’s worth keeping in mind when you’re looking at a Wi-Fi 6 router or a 6E router.

It’s important to note that unlike previous WiFi standards, WiFi 6E isn’t backwards compatible and will only work with 6E-compatible devices.

6E compatible devices include:

• Smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6, and newer models.
• Some laptop models, such as from ASUS, Dell, and HP.
• Some routers, such as Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000.
• Tablets. Latest iPad Pro models.
• Wi-Fi Adapters. Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210.

How to connect to Wi-Fi at 6GHz

You need a specific Wi-Fi 6E router and 6E-capable devices. 

If you want 6GHz Wi-Fi for your devices, you’ll need a Wi-Fi 6E router that allows you to select that channel.

You’ll also need devices with Wi-Fi 6E functionality. Because 6GHz is a relatively new frequency, most of your household gadgets, such as televisions, laptops and game consoles, are unlikely to be compatible with Wi-Fi 6 technology just yet. 

However, you might be in luck if you upgraded to a device in the last few years.

Do I need 6GHz Wi-Fi?

No, you don’t need 6GHz right now. 

Although Wi-Fi 6E is a great advance, it may not be worth upgrading right now. 

This is mostly down to cost: there will be a financial outlay, both on the router and the compatible devices. You may find that the easier and less expensive way to improve your home internet connectivity is to connect to a higher-speed plan, like our nbn® 250 plan.

However, it’s worth keeping 6E in mind next time you need a new router or purchase a smart device.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wi-Fi 6 actually better?

Yes, Wi-Fi 6 outperforms Wi-Fi 5 in terms of speed and congestion. However, it is not a must-have feature. It will benefit you most if you have an nbn® 250 or nbn® 1000 plan, because you will be able to fully benefit from the technological advancements it provides.

Will my devices work with Wi-Fi 6?

Expect most newer devices to be compatible, but not anything made before 2022. Many products made in the last three years support Wi-Fi 6 but older technology was made for Wi-Fi 5. 

6E compatible devices include:

• Smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6, and newer models.
• Some laptop models, such as from ASUS, Dell, and HP.
• Some routers, such as Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000.
• Tablets. Latest iPad Pro models.
• Wi-Fi Adapters. Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210.

What phones support Wi-Fi 6?

At the time of publication, these phones support Wi-Fi 6:

• Apple: iPhone 11 and newer (iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE (2020), 12 series, 13 series, 14 series).
• Samsung: Galaxy S10 series and newer (S10, S10+, S10e, S20 series, S21 series, S22 series, S23 series), Galaxy Note 10 series and newer.
• Google: Pixel 4 series and newer (Pixel 4, 4a, 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 series).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 8 series and newer (OnePlus 8, 8 Pro, 8T, 9 series, 10 series, Nord 2, Nord 2T).
• Xiaomi: Mi 10 series and newer (Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10T, Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 12 series).