April 2021

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – the next generation wireless standard - is here, promising better connectivity, faster network speeds and less bandwidth congestion. 

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Instead of boosting the speed for individual devices, Wi-Fi 6 is all about improving the network when several devices are connected. 

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Wi-Fi generations rely on new hardware, not just software updates, so you’ll need to buy new phones, laptops, etc. to get the new version of Wi-Fi.  New devices will start coming with Wi-Fi 6 by default.  As you replace your phone, laptop and game consoles over the next five years, they will come with the latest version of Wi-Fi.

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In order to benefit from Wi-Fi 6, you will either need to buy a new router that supports Wi-Fi 6, or if you already have a perfectly good business-grade router, such as a DrayTek, then you would need to invest in a number of Wi-Fi 6 wireless access points.

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A Wi-Fi 6 router or wireless access point’s ability to handle lots of simultaneous connections is important now that our homes have more Wi-Fi gadgets, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, and internet-connected thermostats, security cameras and speakers.

And of course, Wi-Fi performance has become more critical during the Coronavirus pandemic. The things that we do with our network are much more mission critical now – whether that’s the ability to do our jobs successfully, learn remotely or simply maintain the connections and relationships in our lives.

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Some reasons why Wi-Fi 6 is a big deal:

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• A better user experience with higher efficiency (making latency a thing of the past)

• 3x faster speed (10 Gbps) and greater stability

• Up to 12 streams….at once

• 4x more capacity for more devices (ideal for crowded networks)

• 40% increase in data throughput

• A new ‘Target Wake Time’ (TWT) feature means your devices should have longer battery life

• Better security

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One important thing to keep in mind is that the speed from your internet service provider (ISP) is like a speed limit for your local network. 

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Talk to us today if you would like to take full advantage of Wi-Fi 6.