WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 7: Unraveling the Key Differences

If you want to upgrade your Wi-Fi, you might wonder whether to go with Wi-Fi 6 or wait for Wi-Fi 7. But before you decide, you need to dive deep into Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.

In this article, we will discuss Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6. We will explain what these are and the differences between them. It will help you choose the right one for your needs.

Basics of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, was launched in 2019. It is the 6th generation and standard Wi-Fi technology. It transmits data on dual bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Wi-Fi 6 is backed by superior technology to improve its performance. It is equipped with MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multi-Input, Multi-Output), enabling it to handle more devices without compromising speed and performance. Another feature is OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which plays an important role in the efficient transmission of data in crowded places, large walls, and other obstacles.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the latest Wi-Fi technology, which is expected to be released in 2024. It will transmit data on three bands, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, which means it will have an additional frequency band.

Wi-Fi 7 will have MLO (Multi-Link Operation), which can increase the data transfer rate and reduce latency. Moreover, it will allow devices to send and receive data on different frequency bands and channels.

It will have a massive advantage over Wi-Fi 6, but it is still yet to be released; users have to wait for its launch and compatible devices.

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: Key Difference

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are different Wi-Fi standards and technologies. That’s why they differ in many aspects. Let’s take a look at key differences.

Speeds

The Wi-Fi 6 peak speed can reach up to 9.6 Gbps, which is 2.7 times more than Wi-Fi 5.
In contrast, the speed of Wi-Fi 7 will reach up to 46 Gbps, which is 4.8 times more than Wi-Fi 6.

Frequency Bands

Wi-Fi 6 works on two bands. One is 2.4 GHz, and the other is 5 GHz. It has an additional band compared to Wi-Fi 5.

Wi-Fi 7 will work on three bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The additional frequency band is an advantage, which offers minimal interference and more available spectrum.

The channel bandwidth of Wi-Fi 6 can range from 20 to 160 MHz. In contrast, Wi-Fi 7 doubles the channel width and offers a maximum width of 320 MHz. The availability of a wider spectrum translates to higher data rates and optimal network performance. It can accommodate more devices at higher data rates.

MU-MIMO

MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multi-Input, Multi-Output. It increases the capacity of a network to handle more devices, improves speed, and lowers latency.

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 use MU-MIMO technology to facilitate faster data transfer of multiple devices.

Wi-Fi 6 offers eight simultaneous data streams. Four of them are for downloading, and the rest are for uploading.

Wi-Fi 7 takes this to another level by offering 16 simultaneous data streams. Eight streams are for downloading, and the remaining are for uploading.

Data Density (QAM)

Data density refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted through a specific signal. Wi-Fi is governed by Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), which is a technology to encode data on radio waves.

Wi-Fi 6 uses 1024-QAM, which means it can transfer 1024 symbols on a radio signal. On the other hand, Wi-Fi 7 uses 4096-QAM, which transmits 4096 symbols. It is evident that Wi-Fi 7 can carry more data on a single radio signal, which leads to a higher speed.

Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7: Which One Should I Choose?

Wi-Fi 7 isn’t released yet, so you have to wait for the devices to be introduced to the market. Currently, the Wi-Fi Alliance is offering Wi-Fi Certified 7 markings for devices.

Secondly, even if you can buy Wi-Fi 7 routers within a few months after its launch, there will be fewer Wi-Fi 7 devices. Even though it is backward compatible (it can support older Wi-Fi generations), you won’t be able to harness the true power of Wi-Fi 7 without compatible devices. Thus, the initial adoption of Wi-Fi will require people to upgrade their devices, and the cost will be a bit high.

Wi-Fi 6 is widely available. You can buy compatible routers easily, and the best part is that a wide range of new devices support Wi-Fi 6.

It depends on your needs. If you want a future-proof Wi-Fi to last for a long time, you can wait for Wi-Fi 7. Secondly, if you need high data transfer rates/speed and improved performance in densely populated areas, Wi-Fi 7 is better than Wi-Fi 6.

Otherwise, Wi-Fi 6 is also a good option. It can support multiple devices at higher data rates and offer incredible performance.

Wi-Fi 6 vs. 6E vs. 7: Comparison Between Them?

We have introduced Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. Let’s have a quick look at Wi-Fi 6E.

Wi-Fi 6E is an enhanced version of Wi-Fi 6 introduced in 2020. It transmits data through three bands, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The bands are similar to Wi-Fi 7; however, the maximum channel width is 160 MHz. Its peak speed can reach up to 9.6 Gbps, which is the same as Wi-Fi 6. However, at the same distance, Wi-Fi 6E offers better speed than Wi-Fi 6.

FAQs

1. Should I wait for Wi-Fi 7?

It depends on your needs. If you need better performance than Wi-Fi and a more future-proof option, you can wait for Wi-Fi 7. But if Wi-Fi 6 is more than enough for your needs, you can go with it and enjoy incredible performance at an affordable price.

2. Is Wi-Fi 7 better than Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, Wi-Fi 7 is better than Wi-Fi 6 in all aspects. It offers an additional frequency band, 4.8 times faster speed, and two times more data density, channel bandwidth, and data streams. It outperforms Wi-Fi 6 and is more future-proof.

3. Will Wi-Fi 7 improve range?

Wi-Fi 7 won’t improve the range significantly. The high-frequency band, 6 GHz, can only work in a small area. Outside that area, you will have to switch to the other frequency bands, which are the same as Wi-Fi 6. Thus, you won’t see a difference in terms of range.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi 7 is an upcoming generation of Wi-Fi that outperforms the existing generations. It will be the best in terms of speed and performance. However, the adoption of this new technology will be slow. On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6 is an existing technology that also offers excellent performance. We have discussed what these Wi-Fi standards are and their differences. Now, you can easily decide which one is perfect for your needs.