Why Your Home Network Installation Needs Wi-Fi 6
Enjoy the latest in wireless technology with a home networking upgrade
Whether you are building a new home or remodeling a current one, it’s important to plan for a reliable network. If you’re looking for comprehensive, reliable coverage throughout your home the standard router from your local internet service provider is not enough. A robust network requires extensive wiring, enterprise-grade devices, and expert design.
On top of that, you’ll need to work with a company knowledgeable about the latest innovations in the realm of home networking. And none is more top-of-mind for customers lately than Wi-Fi 6, read on to learn the answers to three questions when you consider a home network installation with Wi-Fi 6 in your Tarrytown, TX home.
SEE ALSO: Home Network Under Strain? Learn How Bennett Technologies Can Help
Will All Your Devices Work With Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6 routers work with devices dating back to the early 2000s, so there is no need to replace your older devices when you upgrade your router. In fact, because Wi-Fi 6 routers are more efficient, your older devices might perform even better. As you add more Wi-Fi 6 devices into your smart home system, those devices use less airtime and free up space for older devices. Most new products sold in the next few years will be Wi-Fi 6 certified.
How Fast Is Wi-Fi 6?
The maximum bandwidth of a single stream is 3.5 gigabits per second, but because up to four streams can be delivered to a device, it can reach a maximum of 14 gigabits a second. Most download and upload speeds are a fraction of this maximum. The reason this speed is important is not because of the theoretical maximum speed, but instead that it supports multiple connected devices without succumbing to interference or slowing down. Current estimates say that Wi-Fi 6 gear should deliver four times the bandwidth to devices on the same network as Wi-Fi 5 gear.
What New Technologies Does Wi-Fi 6 Use?
Wi-Fi 6 uses three new technologies to provide faster and more reliable support to more devices:
- MU-MIMO uplink: Short for Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output, MU-MIMO only works on the downlink in the previous Wi-Fi generation (from your router to your device). In Wi-Fi 6, this connection works both ways, allowing your router to simultaneously receive data from different devices at once and upgrades from four channels to eight channels.
- OFDMA: Short for orthogonal frequency-division multiple access, OFDMA improves the efficiency of multi-user MIMO streams. Before, Wi-Fi had to transmit to one device at a time. This technology allows your router to complete simultaneous transmissions to and from multiple clients for up to four devices.
- Target Wake Time: This new technology helps reduce power consumption and network congestion by improving the sleep and wake efficiency of devices. It can help both low-power Internet of Things devices and devices you regularly use, such as your laptop or smartphone.
Are you ready to upgrade to the latest wireless technology? For a more robust, more dependable home network, you can trust Bennett Technologies. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.