Welcome to the future of Wi-Fi routers. Wi-Fi 6E is the latest and greatest version of the Wi-Fi standard. The new standard offers several benefits over older versions. Wi-Fi 6E routers are more expensive than older models, but the increased performance may be worth the extra cost for those seeking to future-proof their wireless networks.
However, the average network user may not see much of a benefit, if any, over a standard Wi-Fi 6 router. It can be easy to want to spend extra on the latest and greatest in network technology, but you may not even need it.
So, should you buy a Wi-Fi 6E router? Let’s take a more detailed look at everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6E.
What Is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E is the latest addition to the 802.11ax standard, and this edition promises to bring many improvements to the table.
For starters, Wi-Fi 6E will add support for the 6 GHz band, which is currently unlicensed. 6 GHz support provides more bandwidth and less congestion for users. Wi-Fi 6E is backward compatible with existing Wi-Fi devices, so there is no need to worry about compatibility issues.
In terms of speed, Wi-Fi 6E is up to three times faster than Wi-Fi 5 and is also more power-efficient. This efficiency means that your devices are connected for longer without needing to be recharged often.
Overall, Wi-Fi 6E is a welcome addition to the 802.11ax standard, and it promises to bring some improvements that will benefit users. If looking for the best possible Wi-Fi experience, then you should keep an eye out for Wi-Fi 6E devices.
What Is the Difference Between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?
As the successor to Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest wireless networking standard. It is faster than its predecessor, and the wireless standard has a few new features. One of the most notable new features is support for the 6 GHz frequency band, which is where Wi-Fi 6E comes in.
The 6 GHz band is unlicensed, so no need to worry about using it without a license. This contrasts with the FCC’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
The 6 GHz band is more crowded than the 5 GHz band, but it’s still relatively empty compared to the 2.4 GHz band. This means that Wi-Fi 6E devices will have an easier time finding a clear channel to use, resulting in faster speeds and less interference.
The benefits of Wi-Fi 6E will be most apparent in densely populated areas, such as apartment buildings and office complexes. In these environments, the extra bandwidth provided by the 6 GHz band will be a welcome addition.
Benefits of Buying Into Wi-Fi 6E
Like most people, you probably take your home Wi-Fi for granted. But if you’re a power user who is always online, you know that a good Wi-Fi connection is essential. And if you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi experience, you should consider investing in Wi-Fi 6E.
Wi-Fi 6E offers several benefits over older versions. Perhaps the most crucial benefit is higher speeds than older versions of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6E is also much more efficient than older versions.
Another impressive benefit of Wi-Fi 6E is that it offers better security than older versions of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6E includes features like encrypted management frames and improved authentication, making it more difficult for hackers to access your home network.
If you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi experience, you should consider investing in Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E offers higher speeds, better efficiency, and improved security over older versions of Wi-Fi.
Pitfalls of Buying Into Wi-Fi 6E
If you wish to invest in Wi-Fi 6E, you should first be aware of a few potential pitfalls.
Wi-Fi 6E is still a relatively new technology. It is not yet as widely adopted as other Wi-Fi standards. This means that you may not be able to take full advantage of its potential speeds and capabilities if your devices do not support it.
The new standard also comes with a few trade-offs. It uses more power than other Wi-Fi standards, so your battery life may take a hit if you use it constantly. Additionally, it has a shorter range than other standards, so it may not be ideal for large homes or offices.
Finally, Wi-Fi 6E is more expensive than other Wi-Fi standards right now. If you’re not planning on using all of its features, you may be better off sticking with an older, more affordable standard.
Costs of Buying Into Wi-Fi 6E
However, as with any new technology, there is a cost associated with upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E.
One of the crucial costs of Wi-Fi 6E is the need for new equipment. If you want to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, you’ll need to invest in a new router and possibly new devices. The good news is that many of the latest smartphones and laptops already support Wi-Fi 6E, so you may not need to replace all your devices.
Another cost to consider is the need for a new wireless network infrastructure. Wi-Fi 6E uses a different frequency than previous Wi-Fi standards, so you’ll need to ensure your wireless network is compatible.
So, is Wi-Fi 6E worth the investment? That depends on your needs and your budget. If you need the fastest speeds and support for the latest devices, then Wi-Fi 6E is a good option. However, if you’re not ready to invest in new equipment and are happy with your current wireless service, you may not need to upgrade.
If you’re looking for the best possible performance for your home Wi-Fi network, you should invest in Wi-Fi 6E routers.
Wi-Fi 6E provides the best speeds and features and is future-proofed for the next generation of devices. However, it is paramount to note that Wi-Fi 6E routers are still relatively new and expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to wait a few years for the technology to mature.
For example, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 has a retail price of about $500.
Even discounted, you can’t get it for less than $300 – and this is the one best WiFi 6E routers at an affordable price. For serious PC gamers though, considering the designs and specs, this is an investment that can make sense.
If you want the best router for gaming or business, where connection speeds and coverage are essential, another WiFi 6E router with a scifi design like the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 will set you back about $600 MSRP, with coverage for 60 devices.
For big business purposes, things can get even more extreme. For example, a WiFi 6E quad-band mesh router like the high-ed Netgear Orbi RBKE963 is an eye-watering $1500. That makes sense though, considering it’s for up to 200 devices and covers about 9,000 sqft.
So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to jump into the Wi-Fi 6E world?
Article contributed by Andreas Grant.
About Andreas Grant: Hey there, I’m Andreas Grant, the founder of Networks Hardware. I work as a Network Engineer during the day and as a Network Blogger by night to bring you the latest about networking technology and news.
Article initially written by Andreas Grant in October 2022 and updated by the TTL team in February 23 to reflect price changes for WiFi routers.
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