A plethora of Wi-Fi 6 devices are finally making their way to the market, but not everyone might have an understanding of what this new standard offers. How different is it from Wi-Fi 5, and should you make the jump whenever the time comes? If you want to learn about Wi-Fi 6, then read What is Wi-Fi 6? Today we will see what is Wi-Fi 6E?
What is Wi-Fi 6E
The focus of this article is to explain what is Wi-Fi 6E, another standard that will work alongside Wi-Fi 6 instead of replacing it. We expect devices with support for Wi-Fi 6E will have a more expensive price tag than those with Wi-Fi 6 only, but that won’t be a huge problem since not everyone will need what Wi-Fi 6E has to offer.
OK, so when we look at Wi-Fi 6, we know that the technology uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio waves. These radio waves have been around in Wi-Fi devices for quite some time, so we should at least know what to expect.
However, when it comes down to Wi-Fi 6E, things are the same, yet a little bit different. You see, this piece of technology not only supports everything that Wi-Fi 6 supports, but it sets itself apart with the addition of 6GHz radio wave support.
From our understanding, the 6GHz spectrum will work similarly to Wi-Fi 6 over 5GHz, but with additional non-overlapping channels.
According to the folks at the Wi-Fi Alliance, the Wi-Fi 6E technology will allow for “14 additional 80 MHz channels and 7 additional 160 MHz channels.” These channels will never overlap with each other, or at least, that’s the plan.
When these channels are active, one can expect a reduction in congestion, especially in areas where many networks are in operation.
In short, Wi-Fi 6E is the same as Wi-Fi 6, but with the ability to use the 6GHz radio wave spectrum.
Is Wi-Fi 6E regulated?
The technology is already regulated for consumer use in the United States, but the same cannot be said in other countries around the world. Outside of the USA, the tech has been regulated for use in areas not linked with the consumer space, but things are changing for the better.
When can we expect a flood of Wi-Fi 6E devices?
Right after regulatory approvals in other countries, so for now, you will have to make do with Wi-Fi 6 until then.
Related read: Difference between WPA, WPA2 & WEP Wi-Fi Protocols.
