Connectivity
What is Wi-Fi 6 and what does it improve?
Wi-Fi 6 is the sixth generation of WiFi (its technical name is 802.11ax). Its biggest advantage is not only speed: it handles a home with many devices connected at once much better, and it lets small devices save battery. To benefit, both the router and the device must support Wi-Fi 6.
What it improves over older WiFi
Generations are named with numbers: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Version 6 shares the signal better among many devices at the same time, so the network does not slow down when everyone at home is online.
It also lets cameras, locks and sensors "sleep" between transmissions, which extends their battery life. Wi-Fi 6E adds a third band, 6 GHz, which is less crowded.
Compatibility
Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible: a Wi-Fi 6 device connects to an older router, and the other way around. What you do not get in that case are the improvements: they only work when both ends speak Wi-Fi 6.
Many smart home devices still use older 2.4 GHz WiFi, and that is fine: they send little data and the 2.4 GHz band reaches farther.
What to check before you buy
- If you replace your router, a Wi-Fi 6 model improves the whole home network even if not all your devices support it.
- On projectors and cameras that stream video, Wi-Fi 6 or at least 5 GHz gives a steadier picture.
- On smart home devices, mainly check that they support the 2.4 GHz band: it is the one most use to set up.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
It does not raise the speed you pay your provider for. It improves how that connection is shared inside the home, especially with many devices connected.