Our growing reliance on the internet means we need a stable, high-speed internet connection to do almost everything, from working to gaming. Although it's tempting to purchase the fastest internet plan possible, a lot more goes into a reliable internet connection than speed alone. In fact, for the most part, a good internet connection requires a router in good condition and optimally located. The latest Wi-Fi standards are focused on reducing latency and making it easier to connect multiple devices to your router without compromising bandwidth.
Wi-Fi 7 is the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard, but plenty of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers and devices still circulate the market. Whether you're shopping for a new router or looking to future-proof your home, you'll have to decide whether to invest in Wi-Fi 6 or 6E technology or wait for Wi-Fi 7 to become more affordable.
If you're considering a Wi-Fi 6E router, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more efficient router at a competitive price (that is, until Wi-Fi 7 becomes more affordable). Here’s everything you should know about Wi-Fi 6E before you sign up, according to the experts.
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What is Wi-Fi 6E? What makes it different from Wi-Fi 6?
Simply put, Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6; that's what the "E" stands for.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers sets the standards for Wi-Fi technology with the goal of making Wi-Fi more efficient with every iteration. The Wi-Fi Alliance, a network of companies and manufacturers, certifies those standards. In 2020, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced Wi-Fi 6E, marking the group's first extension of an existing Wi-Fi technology.
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The only difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E is that the extension offers an entirely new frequency band, the 6 gigahertz band. Previously, Wi-Fi only operated on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, so when the Federal Communications Commission opened the 6GHz band for unlicensed use in 2020, it was kind of a big deal.
Wi-Fi Alliance
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