Even if you don’t think your Wi-Fi network is too slow, it may be for what’s in store over the next few years. There was a time when most of us had one or two devices on our Wi-Fi networks. Today it’s not uncommon to have multiple PCs, a family-full of smart phones, several smart TVs or streaming devices around the house, some Amazon Echos or other smart speakers, doorbells, webcams, smartlocks — you name it. And there will be even more over time.
All of this puts strain on your WiFi network and that tired old router you now have. Well, maybe it’s not tired yet, but if the trend continues, it will be.
As CNET points out in this news story, the Wi-Fi Alliance has announced a certification program for what it’s calling WiFi 6. The technical name is Wi-Fi 802.11ax, but who wants to keep up with names like that. Just calling it WiFi 6 simplifies things.
CNETs Ry Crist has an excellent primer on Wi-Fi 6 with a simple explanation:
For starters, Wi-Fi 6 routers will be able to pack more information into each signal they send, which means they’ll be able to communicate with devices faster and more efficiently. In addition, Wi-Fi 6 access points will be able to divy up each individual signal between multiple recipient devices, servicing all of them with a single transmission like a delivery truck driver with multiple stops on her route (or, you know, like Goro serving multiple drinks at once with his enormous, three-fingered hands).