Wifi like all other forms of technology is always evolving and changing. We will explore how Wifi 6 is different and what are the possible advantages for your business.
Do You Need Speed Or Volume In Your Network?
The question here is do you need super-fast connections for a limited amount of people, like a typical office situation? Or do you need to connect many people such as at a conference or stadium to a more stable network?
If you need fast connections for the typical amount of people working in an office, then you probably don’t need Wifi 6 right now. But if you run large events or are part of a large office complex then Wifi 6 may offer a more stable connection for volumes of connecting devices.
In the future, as Wifi 6 becomes the new standard the speed issue will not exist. At this early stage though it is still a good question to ask.
Do You Need To Save Power?
Wi-Fi 6 uses Target Wake Time (TWT), which allows devices to determine when they will normally wake up to begin sending and receiving data. This extends the battery life of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as battery-powered smart home devices such as security cameras and video doorbells. So if your network uses lots of devices where battery use is a concern then Wifi 6 maybe able to help.
Coverage Area
Wifi 6 will provide better coverage for a home or office use. It also means fewer dead zones, thanks to some expanded beamforming capabilities. Beamforming is the trick your router uses to focus signals on a particular device, especially if it looks like that device is having trouble with a connection. The new standard expands the range of beamforming and improves its capabilities, making dead zones less likely.
Early Days
Wifi 6 is in its early days and compatible routers and devices are still in its infancy. If you’ve purchased a router in the last few years and you’re happy with it, there’s no need to upgrade. However, if you’re using a 10-year-old router that no longer receives security updates, it’s a good idea to start shopping around. That doesn’t mean you have to purchase a WiFi 6 router right now, though. A Wifi 5 router might be the best option for you still. Review the number of wireless devices your home or office use and if that is set to expand and your network needs upgrading anyways, now could be a great time to start planning for the future with Wifi 6.
If you have questions about Wifi 6 and how it can help with your business please get in touch, we are happy to have a conversation with you.
