What is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 is a new wireless technology released in 2019. In optimal conditions, Wi-Fi 6 can reach a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 9.6 Gbps, utilizing both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency ranges. This high-speed technology elevates performance in the 5 GHz band and enhances speeds in the 2.4 GHz band, providing a Wi-Fi network with superior range and faster speeds compared to previous versions.
Wi-Fi 6 is specifically designed to handle numerous devices simultaneously on the network. With support for multiple frequency bands, expanded multi-user capabilities, improved multiplexing, and various other technologies, it excels in managing a larger number of devices. This makes Wi-Fi 6 particularly effective in crowded networks found in environments like office buildings, public spaces, and smart homes.
Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Devices
It's crucial to understand which devices support this advanced technology. Let's delve into the realm of Wi-Fi 6-capable devices, including Wi-Fi 6 laptops, tablets, phones, and other gadgets.
Wi-Fi 6 capable phones
Unsurprisingly, smartphones were quick to embrace Wi-Fi 6, following in the footsteps of routers. Samsung led the pack with the Galaxy S10, and soon after, Apple, LG, Huawei, and other major players joined the Wi-Fi 6 support trend. Let's see the list of phones:
- iPhone 11/12/13/14/15 series
- HUAWEI P40/P50/P60 series, HUAWEI mate 40/50/60 series
- XIAOMI 10/11/12/13/14 series
- Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23 series, Galaxy Note 10/20 series
- OnePlus 8/9 series
- Google Pixel 6/7
Note: If you want to know more details, you can go to the official website.
Wi-Fi 6 capable laptops
Here is a short list of laptops that support Wi-Fi 6:
- HP Laptop - 17z-cp000/HP ENVY Laptop 14-eb0020TX/OMEN by HP Laptop 17-ck1023TX
- Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop/Dell Latitude 5330
- MacBook Pro (2023)
- Lenovo 14 FHD/ThinkPad P53
Wi-Fi 6 capable tablets
Here is a list of tablets that support Wi-Fi 6:
- Apple iPad 10.9-inch Wi-Fi (2022, 10th generation)
- Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch Wi-Fi Only (2022, 5th Generation)
- Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi (2021, 6th Generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (6th generation)
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Wi-Fi 6 capable streaming devices
Here is a short list of streaming devices that support Wi-Fi 6:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV 2nd Generation 4k
- Apple TV 2nd Generation HD 32GB
Wi-Fi 6 capable security cameras
The integration of Wi-Fi 6 capabilities into security cameras marks a significant stride in enhancing the efficiency and performance of these surveillance devices. Let's see the list of Wi-Fi 6 security cameras.
Reolink Argus 4 Pro
The new Reolink Argus 4 Pro is an advanced 4K battery-powered surveillance camera embedded with Wi-Fi 6 technology. This dual-lens camera delivers exceptional speed and stability for an unparalleled security experience. Boasting a 4K 8MP Ultra HD resolution and 180-degree field of view, the Argus 4 Pro ensures crystal-clear footage for detailed surveillance.
Most importantly, Argus 4 Pro uses advanced ColorX technology. It allows for full color night vision without replying on visible spotlights. The wire-free design also ensures flexible installation in different scenarios.
Reolink Argus 4 Pro
4k 180° Wire-free Color Night Vision Camera
4K UHD 180° Blindspot-free View; Color Vision Day and Night; 30% More Battery Life; Dual-band Wi-Fi 6; Smart detection.
Learn More about Argus 4 Pro
For consumers that require full-color night vision without apparent spotlights, the Reolink Argus 4 Pro is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you're looking for a camera with longer battery life, check out the new Altas PT Ultra. It also offers full-color night vision and runs on WiFi 6 for enhanced performance.
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
Industry-leading 4K Continuous Recording Battery Camera
4K UHD Continuous Recording; ColorX Night Vision; Pan & Tilt; Automatic Tracking; All Recordings Stored Locally.
Learn More about Altas PT Ultra
Reolink E1 Outdoor Pro
E1 Outdoor Pro is a cutting-edge 4K 8MP Smart PTZ Wi-Fi Camera with Auto Tracking, designed to elevate your surveillance experience. This camera's impressive features ensures top-notch security for your outdoor spaces.
Equipped with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6, the E1 Outdoor Pro sets a new standard for connectivity, providing faster and more reliable data transmission. Its 3X Optical Zoom capability allows for enhanced focus and clarity, while the 355° Pan and 50° Tilt ensure comprehensive coverage of your surroundings.
Reolink E1 Outdoor Pro
4K WiFi PTZ Camera with Auto-Tracking
4K 8MP Super HD, Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts, 355° Pan & 50° Tilt & 3X Optical Zoom, Auto Tracking, Color Night Vision.
Learn More about Reolink E1 Outdoor Pro
RLK12-800WB4
RLK12-800WB4 is a 4K security kit revolutionizing your surveillance experience with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. Thanks to the 4K 8MP Ultra HD resolution, capture every detail with stunning precision. RLK12-800WB4 goes beyond conventional surveillance by incorporating advanced features such as Person/Vehicle/Animal Detection, providing intelligent and targeted monitoring.
With a 12-channel NVR accompanied by a spacious 2TB HDD, this security kit ensures ample storage for your footage, ensuring you never miss a moment.
Reolink RLK12-800WB4
4K Security Kit with Next-Gen WiFi 6
4 pcs 4K Ultra HD Security Cameras; Dual-Band WiFi 6; 2TB HDD 12-Channel NVR for 24/7 Recording; Peron/Vehicle/Animal Detection; IP67 Weatherproof.
Learn More about Reolink RLK12-800WB4
Note: Some of these devices not only support Wi-Fi 6, but also Wi-Fi 6e.
Wi-Fi 6 Devices Using Cases
Let's explore a range of Wi-Fi 6 use cases that highlight its significant value to various scenarios.
Wi-Fi 6 phones
Leading smartphones come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi 6 support, optimizing their performance on Wi-Fi 6 networks. In stadiums, Wi-Fi 6 handles the massive network load as thousands of fans use their smartphones simultaneously. If your phone's cellular networks aren't performing well, you can switch from 4G/5G to Wi-Fi 6.
Large apartment complexes benefit from Wi-Fi 6 support, ensuring robust connectivity for numerous phones, streaming videos and other data-intensive applications. Subway stations equipped with Wi-Fi 6 offer high-speed, secure, and fast connectivity to phone-using passengers.
Wi-Fi 6 laptops
Wi-Fi 6 laptops are essential for those seeking top-notch performance, especially in scenarios where data-sharing is intensive and multiple devices compete for bandwidth. Businesses can deploy Wi-Fi 6 networks and laptops for secure, reliable, and faster wireless access, ensuring seamless operations.
In industrial environments, ruggedized notebooks and tablets equipped with Wi-Fi 6 provide advanced networking capabilities, enhancing connectivity in challenging settings. Additionally, for users engaged in video conferencing, Wi-Fi 6 facilitates faster and more reliable cloud-based web conferencing apps on laptops.
Other Wi-Fi 6 devices
For educators, Wi-Fi 6 enables the integration of new learning technologies like AR and VR. Hotels can deploy Wi-Fi 6 to provide quality multimedia and streaming services to guests through Wi-Fi 6 streaming devices.
In public safety, first responders' body-worn cameras with Wi-Fi 6 upload videos faster, enhancing overall efficiency. Retail businesses benefit from Wi-Fi 6, which extends the battery life of barcode scanners and prioritizes point-of-sale traffic, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.
Consideration: Does Wi-Fi 6 Benefit Older Devices?
A Wi-Fi 6 router will still work with older devices, you just won’t enjoy its benefits. In some cases, the Wi-Fi 6 is definitely worth it. The first is speed. With data rates reaching up to 9.6 Gbps, the caveat lies in the capability of your connected device. If it falls short, the effective speeds will be lower than the maximum potential.
As for security, Wi-Fi 6 uses this fancy encryption called WPA3, which is like a super strong lock for your internet. But, if your device is old, it might not know how to use this new lock, so it uses a slightly less secure one called WPA2.
The last is battery time. Wi-Fi 6 is smart about saving battery. It lets devices take naps between sending stuff, which is great for battery life. But, if your device doesn't know how to nap (use something called target wake time), it won't save as much battery.
FAQs
1. Can a Wi-Fi 6 device connect to a Wi-Fi 5 router?
Absolutely! A Wi-Fi 6 device can connect to a Wi-Fi 5 router without any issue. Wi-Fi standards are designed to be backward compatible, meaning that newer devices can connect to older routers. While the Wi-Fi 6 device won't experience the full range of benefits that a Wi-Fi 6 network provides, it can still establish a connection and function well on a Wi-Fi 5 network
2. How many devices can Wi-Fi 6 support?
Thanks to MU-MIMO technology, routers can now chat with multiple devices at the same time. In the Wi-Fi 5 era, MU-MIMO allowed routers to talk to a maximum of four devices at once. But with the Wi-Fi 6 upgrade, this superhero power doubles, and routers can now juggle up to eight devices simultaneously.
3. How do I know if my device supports Wi-Fi 6?
To check if your device supports Wi-Fi 6, follow these steps:
- Review device specifications on the manufacturer's website or user manual.
- For PCs, inspect network adapter details in the Device Manager.
- On smartphones/tablets, check network settings for Wi-Fi version information.
4. Is there a downside to Wi-Fi 6?
While Wi-Fi 6 brings several improvements over its predecessors, there are still some potential downsides to consider:high cost of routers and limited compatibility with older devices.
5. What devices can connect to Wi-Fi 6?
We have discussed this question in the part of "WiFi 6 compatible devices", you can read it.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 6 promises faster speeds, increased capacity, and enhanced performance across a spectrum of devices. From laptops to smartphones, smart home devices, and beyond, the Wi-Fi 6 revolution is transforming the way we stay connected.
If you like this article and find it helpful, share it with your friends. Do you have something to say about Wi-Fi 6 devices? Make sure you leave a comment below!