Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5 - Which Is the Faster and Better Wireless Technology?
Welcome to our impartial tech battle, where we pit the internet's favorite connectors against each other. Today’s contestants are Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi is an endearing and incredibly useful invention that powers our everyday lives, and yet most of us have no idea about even the basic differences between these two wireless technologies. That's why we have decided to break it down for you on this blog.
Wi-Fi 5 Overview
To start, let us first define Wi-Fi 5. It is a wireless networking standard that uses the 802.11ac protocol operating on the 5 GHz frequency. Wi-Fi 5 offers a theoretical top speed of 1.3 Gbps and can support up to four simultaneous data streams. It’s been around since 2013 and is used by billions of devices worldwide.
Wi-Fi 6 Overview
On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6 is a relatively new wireless networking standard that uses the 802.11ax protocol. Its primary difference from previous versions is its ability to operate in two different frequencies, the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz. Wi-Fi 6 can also handle up to 12 simultaneous data streams and can reach a theoretical speed of 9.6 Gbps.
Now let's see how they stack up side by side.
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Speed
Wi-Fi 5 can support a maximum data rate of 3.5 Gbps across all channels, while Wi-Fi 6 has a maximum data rate of 9.6 Gbps across all channels. However, it's important to note that these are theoretical speeds. In real-world usage, Wi-Fi 5 usually provides a speed ranging from 200 Mbps to 600 Mbps, while Wi-Fi 6 can handle speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps.
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Range
Wi-Fi 6 provides a better and more extensive range than Wi-Fi 5. Wi-Fi 6 can support twice the range of Wi-Fi 5, thanks to its low-powered signaling capabilities. The technology used in Wi-Fi 6 devices, such as beamforming, also improve the wireless range.
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Device Connectivity
A Wi-Fi 6 router can handle and connect multiple devices better than Wi-Fi 5, thanks to its MU-MIMO or Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output technology. Wi-Fi 6 can send data to multiple devices simultaneously, creating a more stable connection, even with many Wi-Fi devices on the network.
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, Wi-Fi 6 routers are backward compatible, meaning that they can work with devices that use the Wi-Fi 5 protocol. However, if you have Wi-Fi 5 routers, they will not work with Wi-Fi 6 devices.
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 - Conclusion
In conclusion, Wi-Fi 6 is a clear winner in every category, from speed to range to device connectivity. However, the difference in usability will depend on the number of users and devices in your network, and whether you are regularly streaming large amounts of data frequently.
We hope this comparison has helped you understand more about Wi-Fi 5 versus Wi-Fi 6. Stay tuned for more tech updates from Flare Compare.