Q&A: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5: What’s the Real Difference for Everyday Users?

Wireless internet? I remember sharing computer time with my siblings to wait 10 minutes for the modem to connect with that awful noise, and nobody could use the phone, all to make sure my AIM away message matched exactly what I was doing at the time. Maybe you were downloading music on Limewire or updating your Myspace page. Well, just like everything else, the internet evolved. It is a daily staple of work, shopping, games, school, and pretty much everything now. We all know we want the “fastest and best” internet, but what does that look like? Is it Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 and what exactly is the difference?  In this Q&A post, we’ll dive into the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 and what they mean for you in everyday life.

Q: What Are Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6?

A: Wi-Fi 5, also known as 802.11ac, is a wireless standard that’s been widely used since it was introduced in 2013. Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, is the next generation of Wi-Fi, introduced in 2019, and it’s designed to handle more devices and deliver faster speeds, even in crowded areas.

Q: What Kind of Speed Boost Can I Expect with Wi-Fi 6?

A: Wi-Fi 6 is up to 40% faster than Wi-Fi 5, which is especially noticeable when downloading large files or streaming high-definition content. While Wi-Fi 5 can support speeds up to 3.5 Gbps, Wi-Fi 6 can reach up to 9.6 Gbps, although actual speeds will depend on your internet connection. The real advantage lies in efficiency, as Wi-Fi 6 is built to handle more data and reduce congestion on networks with multiple devices.

How Does Wi-Fi 6 Handle Multiple Devices Better Than Wi-Fi 5?

A: One of Wi-Fi 6’s standout features is its ability to manage multiple devices more efficiently. With Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Wi-Fi 6 can split channels into smaller sub-channels, allowing it to serve multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed. This is a huge upgrade over Wi-Fi 5, which struggles when too many devices are connected, leading to slower speeds and lag.

Q: Does Wi-Fi 6 Improve Battery Life for My Devices?

A: Yes, Wi-Fi 6 includes a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT), which lets devices schedule check-ins with the router. This means that devices like smartphones and tablets can “sleep” when they’re not actively using Wi-Fi, reducing battery drain and making your device last longer on a single charge.

Q: Will Wi-Fi 6 Help with My Streaming and Gaming Experience?

A: Absolutely. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to reduce latency, making it perfect for activities like streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing, where every millisecond counts. Wi-Fi 5 can still perform well for these tasks, but as more people in your household or area connect to the same network, Wi-Fi 5 may become slower and more prone to buffering.

Q: Do I Need a Wi-Fi 6 Router for Wi-Fi 6 Benefits?

A: Yes, you need a Wi-Fi 6-enabled router to enjoy the full benefits of Wi-Fi 6, and your devices need to support Wi-Fi 6 as well. The good news is that many newer devices, like smartphones, laptops, and smart home gadgets, are Wi-Fi 6 compatible. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router is especially worthwhile if you have a lot of connected devices or live in an area with many overlapping Wi-Fi networks.

Q: Is It Worth Upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6?

A: For many users, especially those with multiple devices and high internet usage, upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 can make a noticeable difference in network speed and stability. If you have a smaller household with fewer devices or only use the internet for basic tasks like browsing and emailing, Wi-Fi 5 may still serve you well. However, as more devices and streaming needs grow, Wi-Fi 6 will provide a future-proof solution for a smoother internet experience.

More Resources For You

5 Reasons You Should Consider Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6

What is Wi-Fi 6 Vs. Wi-Fi 6E

Wireless Networks: Understanding Your Wireless Connection

Wi-Fi 6 brings a range of improvements over Wi-Fi 5, from faster speeds to better support for multiple devices and improved battery life for connected gadgets. For everyday users, the biggest difference will likely be a more stable, faster connection, even when several devices are connected. Is it time to make the switch to Wi-Fi 6? The answer may just be a resounding “yes” — especially if you crave speed, reliability, and less congestion on your home network. If you have any questions or comments you can leave them below, chat with one of our VoIP Experts at www.voipsupply.com, or call us at 1-800-398-8647.