When it comes to home networking, understanding the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e can be crucial in deciding which one to invest in for faster and more reliable connectivity.

While both standards offer improved speeds and capabilities over previous generations, Wi-Fi 6e brings additional features but also has limitations.

Let’s investigate the specifics to help you choose the best home or office network setup option.

What Makes Wi-Fi 6 Stand Out?

Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, has quickly become a popular standard for home and office Wi-Fi networks.

Released in 2019, Wi-Fi 6 was a significant upgrade from Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) by introducing improvements in speed, efficiency, and the way devices connect to the network.

Here are some of the notable features that Wi-Fi 6 brought to the table:

• Improved Data Efficiency: Wi-Fi 6 uses 1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (1024-QAM) to transmit up to 25% more data in the same frequency spectrum as Wi-Fi 5, which operates with 256-QAM.

• Enhanced Frequency Use: Unlike Wi-Fi 5, which operates only on the 5 GHz band, Wi-Fi 6 can use 2.4 and 5 GHz. This allows better coverage and fewer interruptions on the network.

• Channel Width Expansion: The 5 GHz band can utilize one 160 MHz channel, transferring data-heavy content like online gaming and 4K videos with minimal buffering.

• Efficient Data Management: Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) helps reduce wait times for data transfers by breaking down frequency channels and handling multiple devices more effectively.

• Device Connectivity: With support for up to eight concurrent streams, Wi-Fi 6 is better at managing several connected devices, making it ideal for larger households or offices with high device usage.

This combination of features allows Wi-Fi 6 to provide faster data rates and reduce lag, even in environments with numerous connected devices.

The Added Benefits and Drawbacks of Wi-Fi 6e

Wi-Fi 6e takes the advancements of Wi-Fi 6 a step further by introducing an additional frequency band — the 6 GHz spectrum.

Introduced in 2021, Wi-Fi 6e offers even more speed and channel capacity for compatible devices. However, this added capacity also comes with limitations in terms of range.

• New Frequency Band: Wi-Fi 6e opens up the 6 GHz frequency, which provides over a gigahertz of extra wireless spectrum. This band spans from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, offering 14 additional 80 MHz channels or up to seven 160 MHz channels.

• Reduced Interference: The 6 GHz band is less crowded since it’s dedicated solely to Wi-Fi 6e devices. This reduces interference from other nearby networks, which is especially beneficial in densely populated areas like apartment buildings.

• Ultra-Wide Channels for Data-Intensive Use: The wider 160 MHz channels are ideal for applications requiring substantial data throughput, such as online gaming or virtual reality experiences. Unlike Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6e can provide these channels without significantly impacting other users in the household.

• Higher Speeds but Limited Range: Due to the high frequency of the 6 GHz band, Wi-Fi 6e is most effective for short-range connections, often within the same room. Once you leave the range of the 6 GHz signal, devices will automatically switch to the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz bands.

Wi-Fi 6e’s 6 GHz band offers blazing speeds, but it may not be ideal for users who need extensive coverage across multiple rooms.

Performance Comparison: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6e

To give a clearer perspective on the performance differences, here’s a quick comparison table highlighting the key distinctions:

This table highlights that Wi-Fi 6e offers higher speeds nearby due to its additional 6 GHz band, though it is still restricted by compatibility and cost.

Current Device Support for Wi-Fi 6e

Wi-Fi 6e routers have become more accessible, with various models available, including mesh systems. However, the list of compatible devices remains relatively short:

• Smartphones: Select Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Motorola Edge, and Google Pixel 6, are Wi-Fi 6e-enabled.

• Laptops: Some newer Windows laptops and the 2023 MacBook Pro include Wi-Fi 6e support.

• Future Devices: The iPhone 15 is rumored to include Wi-Fi 6e compatibility, which would broaden the adoption of the standard.

Despite the limited device support, more products are expected to adopt Wi-Fi 6e shortly as technology advances.

Costs and Considerations When Choosing Between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e

While Wi-Fi 6e offers improved speeds and additional spectrum, the associated costs may be a barrier for many. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:

• Price: Wi-Fi 6e routers are generally more expensive than Wi-Fi 6 models. For example, high-end models like the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 offer outstanding speeds but have premium price tags.

• Internet Speeds: Many internet service providers (ISPs) in the U.S. offer broadband speeds of 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps. While Wi-Fi 6e can achieve much faster local speeds, more is needed to enhance ISP-provided internet speeds.

• Home Network Needs: Wi-Fi 6e may be worth it for users with gigabit internet and compatible high-end devices, but those with moderate usage may find Wi-Fi 6 adequate.

Wi-Fi 6e’s enhanced features may not be necessary unless you have a high-speed connection and devices that can make the most of it.

Summary: Which Wi-Fi Standard Suits Your Needs?

Here’s a quick guide to help decide between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e:

• Choose Wi-Fi 6 if:
  • You want reliable and faster speeds than Wi-Fi 5.
  • You need coverage over multiple rooms.
  • You’re on a budget but still want efficient connectivity.
  • You have many devices that may not support the 6 GHz band.
• Opt for Wi-Fi 6e if:
  • Living in a congested area requires a dedicated frequency for high-bandwidth activities.
  • Your devices support the 6 GHz band and need fast, short-range connections.
  • You have gigabit internet from your ISP and can benefit from ultra-fast local data transfers.

In conclusion, Wi-Fi 6 offers excellent improvements for most users, balancing cost with performance. Wi-Fi 6e takes it up a notch but might be overkill if you need high-speed, short-range connectivity.

Consider your usage needs, device compatibility, and budget before deciding which standard to use.