What Is WiFi 6 and How Does It Work?

You probably use WiFi in your everyday life, but do you know what it is or how it works? Understanding your Internet connection can help you troubleshoot issues and keep your WiFi network safe from hackers.

Our guide answers all of your common questions about WiFi and paints a picture of the latest generation of WiFi technology: WiFi 6.

Why is WiFi Called WiFi?

Generally speaking, WiFi is the wireless technology connecting computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices to the Internet. This allows your devices and many others to communicate with one another, forming a network.

WiFi transmits data using radio waves. A device's wireless adapter converts data into a radio signal and sends it out via an antenna. This process works both ways: the router also takes data from the Internet, converts it to a radio signal, and sends it back to the device to be decoded. This process allows web users to download and upload information online.

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of WiFi technology designed to deliver faster speeds and perform better in crowded environments. It uses advanced technologies like MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input, multiple output) and OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access) to send data to multiple devices simultaneously.

This means less congestion and lower latency, even when many devices are connected to the same network. WiFi 6 also improves battery life for connected devices through a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT). Overall, it's built to support the growing number of smart devices in homes and businesses.

The WiFi Alliance, formerly known as the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, was looking for a more user-friendly term for technology that followed IEEE 802.11 (the technical name for WiFi) specifications. A brand consulting agency commissioned by The WiFi Alliance, Interbrand, developed the brand-name term.

Do You Need Internet for WiFi?

You don’t need the internet to have WiFi, but WiFi without internet is limited. WiFi refers to a wireless network that allows devices to connect to each other using a router. However, for those devices to access the internet, like browsing websites or streaming content, you need an active internet connection from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). So while WiFi creates the local network, the internet provides access to the wider online world. In most home setups, both work together to keep your devices connected and online.

How Do I Get WiFi in My Home?

To get internet service for your house, you’ll need to choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers service in your area. Plans can range from around $30 to $100+ per month, depending on the speed and type of connection you choose. Options include cable, fiber, satellite, 5G wireless, or DSL.

Once you've selected a plan, the ISP will usually schedule a technician to install the necessary equipment, like a modem or a gateway, which can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Some providers, such as Optimum, offer self-installation kits, which can be quicker and more convenient if you’re comfortable setting it up yourself.

Optimum offers Whole Home Wi-Fi, which will allow you to have a connected home with no dead zones

What are the Different WiFi Speeds?

WiFi standards have continuously evolved since 1997. These updates always resulted in further coverage and higher speeds. If you're curious about the current speed of your WiFi network, use our WiFi speed test for a quick, easy way to measure your Internet service provider's performance.

Here's a closer look at WiFi speeds throughout the years and how exactly they differ from one another:

The original 802.11 standard used the same 2.4 GHz (gigahertz) frequency as 802.11b. It had a theoretical maximum rate of 11 Mbps (megabits per second) and a range of up to 150 feet. Although 802.11b components were affordable, the standard's maximum speed was the slowest of all the 802.11 standards.

802.11a operated in the 5 GHz frequency spectrum, which was less congested and less susceptible to interference. With a theoretical maximum of 54 Mbps, it had substantially more bandwidth than 802.11b.

802.11g, like 802.11a, had a theoretical maximum rate of 54 Mbps. However, like 802.11b, it operated on the congested 2.4 GHz band. This subjected it to the same interference issues as 802.11b. Consumers benefited from the improvements in WiFi speeds and coverage with 802.11g. Wireless routers were improving as well, providing more power and better coverage.

WiFi became considerably quicker and more dependable with the 802.11n standard. It had a theoretical maximum speed of 300 Mbps and could potentially reach up to 450 Mbps. 802.11n had multiple inputs and outputs, resulting in a significant increase in data without the need for more bandwidth. 802.11n used both 2.4 GHz bands and 5 GHz bands.

WiFi speeds saw an incredible increase with 802.11ac, ranging from 433 Mbps to several gigabits per second. 802.11ac worked exclusively with the 5 GHz band. Using a feature called MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple inputs, multiple outputs), 802.11ac also increased the overall data speeds of an entire network.

802.11ax, or WiFi 6, is one of the most current WiFi standards, second only to Wifi 7. WiFi 6 is capable of a theoretical maximum speed of 9.6 Gbps (gigabits per second) and provides better support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. A single router can handle more antennae with WiFi 6 than previous standards. This means a single router may connect to many devices without sacrificing bandwidth.

What’s the Difference Between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E

WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are based on the same core technology (802.11ax), but WiFi 6E includes access to a new, less crowded 6 GHz frequency band. This extra band allows for faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections, especially in areas with many devices. In contrast, WiFi 6 operates on the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. WiFi 6E is ideal for high-bandwidth activities like gaming and streaming, but you'll need a compatible router and devices to take full advantage of it.

How Do I Turn on WiFi?

How to enable your WiFi varies by device, but these general instructions for turning on WiFi on your computer can guide you.

First, be sure your router or modem is turned on and connected. If you can't find any answers here, it's always helpful to refer to the device's manual.

1. Enable your computer's WiFi — - Some computers have a WiFi switch, usually near the keyboard or front panel, that lights up when turned on.
2. Turn on WiFi in settings — After confirming that your WiFi is switched on, navigate to your computer settings—usually under “Network” or “Wireless Settings”—to enable WiFi on your computer’s settings and connect to a network.
3. Secure your WiFi by choosing a strong password — Using a long, complex password made of random characters strengthens your network security by making it harder to guess or share, even if guests in your household pass it along.
4. Change your network name —Changing your network name (SSID) helps improve security by preventing hackers from easily identifying your router’s brand or model, which they could use to find default login credentials. Most routers have a default SSID that reveals this information, so it’s best to customize it to something unique and unidentifiable.
5. Keep your router's firmware updated — While your router’s manufacturer may automatically update your firmware, it’s good to regularly check for updates, especially after news of big virus attacks. These attacks often expose security weaknesses, prompting manufacturers to release security patches.
6. Turn on your firewall — Most WiFi routers come with a firewall, but you may need to enable it through your settings. Routers use Network Address Translation (NAT), which assigns internal IP addresses to devices on your network. This prevents hackers from identifying individual devices and blocks unauthorized access before it reaches them.

Upgrading to WiFi 6 not only improves speed and performance, but also enhances network security with stronger encryption protocols like WPA3, which is the latest WiFi security protocol and is designed to make wireless networks even more secure.

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