WiFi 6 (originally, 802.11ax) is the next generation of WiFi, following WiFi 5 (previously 802.11ac), and its previous iterations. With the new standard comes an increase in theoretical maximum speeds, from 3.5 gigabits per second to 9.6 gigabits per second. WiFi, a wireless networking technology, is based on a set of standards created and maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) LAN/MAN Standards Committee (IEEE 802), and “Wi‑Fi” is a trademark of the non-profit Wi-Fi Alliance. 

          The increase in speed, most of the time, for individual devices, will probably not be substantial. The greatest benefit of the new standard comes from a more robust network when more devices are added so that the quality and reliability of the WiFi does not decrease with more devices. WiFi 6 also offers the chance to improve battery life of smart devices and other devices and sensors that send information regularly, and are relatively stationary in nature. There is also an improved security protocol (WPA3) that can help increase the security of connections.

Implications for IoT and other Connected Applications

          Increased security, battery life, and better quality with more devices seem to bring obvious benefits to IoT technology. More security in connections can help to address major cybersecurity concerns. WiFi 6 also uses orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), which can result in improved performance and battery life of sensors and devices within IoT. Better battery life can aid in creating devices with smaller devices or prolonging the life of a device. This can reduce expenses from an industry perspective. WiFi 6 also facilitates faster data processing and less data throttling. Additionally, WiFi 6 has a new feature called Target Wake Time (TWT) which allows devices to “wake up” at certain times and send data, conserving battery life even further.

          However, the answer is not always so clear, and just because benefits exist, that does not mean or guarantee a widespread switch. For example, some say that while the benefits of WiFi 6 are evident, the benefits for some IoT devices may not be great enough to warrant a switch because most devices do not require a greater bandwidth and work with WiFi 5. In addition, WIFi 6 is in competition with alternative modes of wireless connectivity including Cellular Connectivity, LPWAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth and Z-wave.

But what about 5G?

          5G is the latest generation of cellular communication and networks, and at first, it may seem like the two are substitutes for each other or separate from each other. However, 5G is complementary to WiFi 6, especially when it comes to IoT. 5G might be best used to support longer ranges and in applications like connected cars and smart cities. WiFi 6 theoretically proves most useful in areas of high density like a warehouse or other enterprise environments . Businesses and manufacturers can assess which of the two networks work best for their needs and coordinate their devices along those lines. Furthermore, the two networks can be used together in one device or application to support both needs.

WiFi 7?

          With the introduction and current implementation of WiFi 6, WiFi 7 seems like a far-off prospect (at least three years away). However, optimism surrounding its capabilities are still in the air. Expectations of WiFi 7 say that its speed capabilities can be up to 5 times faster than WiFi 6. WiFi 7 can also prove ideal for IoT and especially IIoT applications with its increased speed and more efficient spectrum use.

Wifi 6 Implementation Considerations

           Every IT related technology has considerations related to adoption, and WiFi 6 is no different. One major consideration is the capability of current devices and existing infrastructure; the benefits of WiFi 6 are intangible if the devices are unable to utilize the technology. It could be a sizable investment to replace existing devices and infrastructure to ones that support WiFi 6 if an update cannot address the issue.

           Compatibility of devices is yet another consideration. Wifi 6 claims to be backwards compatible with older devices, but the successfulness of this varies. For example, some WiFi 6 adapters from Intel may pose challenges with adoption. Although updates have been made to address most of these issues, some may still exist, and the updates must be done manually. Another compatibility issue comes from the new security protocol WPA3; if a device is missing supportive features for the new protocol, the issues with WiFi 6 connectivity will arise.

For Further Reading

Top 5 benefits of Wi-Fi 6 (and 3 challenges it won’t solve on its own) https://www.kelsercorp.com/blog/top-benefits-wi-fi-6

Wi-Fi 6 is set to change the future of IoT—Here’s why https://www.wi-fi.org/beacon/richard-edgar/wi-fi-6-is-set-to-change-the-future-of-iot-here-s-why

WiFi 6 vs WiFi 5 speed: Which is better?https://www.minim.com/blog/WiFi-6-vs-WiFi-5-speed

How Wi-Fi 6 will benefit the IoT industry https://iotbusinessnews.com/2020/04/23/37974-how-wi-fi-6-will-benefit-to-the-iot-industry/

All about Wi-Fi 6 and the new Wi-Fi 6E https://staceyoniot.com/all-about-wi-fi-6-and-the-new-wi-fi-6e/

How WiFi 6 is About to Revolutionize the Internet of Things https://interestingengineering.com/how-WiFi-6-is-about-to-revolutionize-the-internet-of-things

WiFi 6: Is it the End-All Be-All of Connectivity? https://www.iotforall.com/WiFi-6-is-it-the-be-all-and-end-all-of-connectivity

Wi-Fi 6 is set to change the future of IoT—Here’s why. https://www.wi-fi.org/beacon/richard-edgar/wi-fi-6-is-set-to-change-the-future-of-iot-here-s-why

Wi-Fi 7 is coming, and Intel makes it sound great https://www.networkworld.com/article/3631911/wi-fi-7-is-coming-and-intel-makes-it-sound-great.html

Wi-Fi 7: What is it and when should you expect it? https://www.rcrwireless.com/20210127/network-infrastructure/wi-fi/wi-fi-7-what-is-it-and-when-should-you-expect-it

5 ALTERNATIVES FOR IoT WiFi NETWORKS AND CONNECTIVITY. https://www.truphone.com/us/about/newsroom/5-alternatives-for-iot-wifi-networks-and-connectivity/

Wi-Fi 6: The compatibility issues you should know about https://eyenetworks.no/en/wifi-6-compatibility/