By CEDIA - Thu, Feb 6, 2025 - Blog
The modern smart home is teeming with mobile devices. From laptops to smartphones and streaming services, we’re putting more demands on our WiFi than ever. So how can we meet these demands without compromising speed? Enter: Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation of networking protocols, having first been introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2019. Also known as 802.11ax, Wi-Fi-6 was renamed by the Alliance for simpler labelling, aiding both smart home technicians and consumers.
It is the most advanced in terms of link rate, ranging between 600 and 9,608 Mbps, compared to Wi-Fi 5 at 433 to 6,933. This offers faster speeds for uploads and downloads (throughput) as well as lower latency. This makes it ideal for homes using multiple devices with high bandwidth requirements, such as video games or streaming services.
Wi-Fi 6 has almost three times as much throughput as Wi-Fi 5, introduced in 2014, which was the follow-up to Wi-Fi 4 in 2009.
Wi-Fi 6 offers a simpler browsing experience than previous generations thanks to a range of new features. With the average number of Wi-Fi devices in a home now standing at 12, there are increasing demands for wireless standards. These new features include:
OFDMA (or OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is a modulation method. It works with several connected devices at once by subdividing channels into subcarriers. This offers more efficient data transmission, with multiple signals being sent from one Wi-Fi router at once. Each device can connect simultaneously, rather than waiting for the next data transfer.
Today’s Wi-Fi networks offer dual band support, which means there are two frequency bands. Wi-Fi 6 works on a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency, reducing interference from appliances like microwaves.
Another advantage of Wi-Fi 6 is 1024QAM, which varies the phases and amplitude of radio waves. This allows for more data in each transmission, increasing data rates by up to 25%.
The benefits of Wi-Fi 6 for smart homes go beyond Mu-Mimo (Multi-user, Multiple Input, Multiple Output). While it’s great for high-speed functionality across several IoT devices, it can also offer:
This new Wi-Fi technology can extend to larger areas. If yours is a larger property with only one access point, you may struggle to connect laptops, smartphones and TVs all at once. HE-ER-SU extends coverage so you’re always at peak performance.
Stronger Wi-Fi connections enable many smart home applications at once, including:
Your home can become the perfect working and relaxation environment with no interrupted browsing, whoever’s using the internet.
You can even use Wi-Fi 6 to increase battery life. With more efficient communication between your router and devices, less time is needed to search for a signal. This makes them more energy-efficient rather than depleting power when they’re not in use – ideal for older devices.
To get the best Wi-Fi connection possible, you should always choose a CEDIA-trained integrator. Our qualified installers support Wi-Fi 6 by assessing the needs of your property. This may include proper channelisation or device compatibility.
We’re always developing our knowledge in line with the latest Wi-Fi standards such as IEEE 802 WPA2 and WPA3. This helps us stay one step ahead of security protocols. Whether you’re streaming media or playing on mobile apps, you’ll guarantee a fast, secure connection with convenience in mind.
If you’re looking to become a CEDIA member, you can find out more here.
