What Is WiFi 6E

Hey guys.... Have you heard about WiFi 6E? 

Back in 2019, WiFi 6 debuted, promising faster, more reliable connections, especially when it comes to multiple devices sucking up lots of bandwidth on the same network. 

The new 6E encompasses the same basic technology as WiFi 6, but it gets a lot more space in which it can move data, which leads to less interference and fewer traffic jams.

“In the 2.4 Ghz band, you’d typically use 20 MHz channels which are relatively small and there were really only three non-overlapping channels that you had to share with your neighbors and people in your condos,”. 

“Contrast that to 6 Ghz, where you have seven non-overlapping 160 megahertz channels and you have channels that are eight times larger and you have more than double the number.” The 5 GHz channel also handles essential functions for utilities like weather satellites, which requires safeguards to prevent interference. In some regions, that causes even more restrictions on the bands available for our devices.

Because of the short wavelengths, 6 GHz should excel in allowing devices to communicate with one another at high speeds over short distances. So, two devices in the same room should feel a real speed bump from the move to 6E.

Yes, New technology need new equipment to accommodate its function. Same goes to WiFi 6E. 

Of course, accessing this new part of the spectrum does require compatible hardware and, because the 6 GHz space wasn’t available when WiFi 6 originally showed up in 2019, it wasn’t part of the overall plan. So, while WiFi 6E routers are starting to roll out including the massive Asus ROG Rapture GT0AXE110000 pictured above, this year, it’s unlikely your phone or computer could take advantage of the extra speed.

Going into 2021, however, expect to see it popping up a lot more as WiFi Alliance will start certifying devices to work with WiFi 6E. Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 865 Plus system on a chip which powers some high-end Android phones supports it natively. Qualcomm’s newest chip, the Snapdragon 888, also supports WiFi 6E and will likely show up in many of the flagship Android devices next year.