Differences Between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6
Aspect |
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Wi-Fi (802.ax) |
---|---|---|
Wi-Fi standards |
Based on IEEE 802.11, named as 802.11ac |
Based on IEEE 802.11, named as 802.11ax |
Frequency Bands |
Supports 5GHz and 2.4 GHz bands |
Supports 5GHz, 2.4GHz and 6GHz band |
Power efficiency |
Better power efficiency than previous generations. |
Better efficiency than Wi-Fi 5 with support for Target Wake Time |
Network Security |
Supports WPA2 and WPA3 protocol |
Supports enhanced WPA3 standards |
Multi-user Support |
Supports MU-MIMO for multi-user connectivity |
Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA for better connectivity |
Compatibility |
Compatible with older internet technologies like 802.11a |
Supports old standards but both router and device need to be Wi-Fi 6 compatible for a better experience. |
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 6 is a new technology compared to Wi-Fi 5 and has significant advancements in wireless connectivity, networking experience, and reduced latency. This makes Wi-Fi 6 to be better compatible with modern internet devices. However, Wi-Fi 5 will remain in the picture for quite some time.
Wireless Networking Standards: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi technology has transformed the way of internet communication and it’s been evolving over the years. All major updates are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards and the Wi-Fi 6 is the new sensation in the market. However, the previous generation i.e. Wifi 5 has not moved out from the market and is still in use and performing well. In this article, we will see what are the major differences between Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
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