How Wi-Fi 6 Range Extenders are Transforming Home Networks for Seamless Coverage?

Since the introduction of today’s IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standards in 1997, this technology continues to impress users with enhanced mobility, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and easy installation. Over the years, this technology has evolved as several sophisticated standards have been introduced to the audience, one of the latest models widely used is WiFi 6. Technically dubbed as the 802.11ax, WiFi 6 shows significant improvements in power consumption, battery life, network security, data transfer speed, beamforming, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and many other areas. In this article, we will see how WiFi 6 range extenders are transforming home networks and offering seamless coverage.

We first start by understanding the basics.

What is WiFi 6:

WiFi 6 is a wireless computer network operating in 802.11ax standard. It is the successor of 802.11ac (WiFi 5) and shows huge improvements in terms of speed and other areas. This makes them suitable for high-density environments such as shopping malls, corporate offices, buildings, and more.

Introduced in 2019, WiFi 6 supports standard 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies and 6GHz has been introduced in WiFi 6E.

Comparison Table for WiFi 4, WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E and their features:

Feature	WiFi 4 (802.11n)	WiFi 5 (802.11ac)	WiFi 6 (802.11ax)	WiFi 6E (802.11ax with 6 GHz)
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz, limited 5 GHz support	5 GHz only	2.4 GHz + 5 GHz	2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz
Maximum Speed	Up to 600 Mbps	Up to 3.5 Gbps	Up to 9.6 Gbps	Up to 9.6 Gbps with enhanced performance on 6 GHz
MU-MIMO	Not supported	4×4 MU-MIMO (unidirectional)	8×8 MU-MIMO (bidirectional)	8×8 MU-MIMO optimised for interference-free 6 GHz
OFDMA	Not supported	Not supported	Handles simultaneous device traffic	Enhanced for seamless multitasking on 6 GHz
Beamforming	Basic beamforming	Standard beamforming	Advanced beamforming for better range and efficiency	Precision-targeted beamforming in the 6 GHz band for superior performance and power efficiency.
Latency	Moderate	Moderate to low	Low latency	Ultra-low latency for AR/VR, gaming, and real-time use
Security	WPA/WPA2	WPA/WPA2	WPA3	WPA3 enhanced for 6 GHz privacy and encryption
Power Efficiency	Standard	Standard	Target Wake Time (TWT) saves power	Advanced TWT for IoT and mobile efficiency
Device Density Handling	Struggles with multiple devices	Handles medium density	High-density environments	Excels in ultra-dense settings with extra 6 GHz lanes
6 GHz Band	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported	Exclusive 6 GHz access for reduced interference
Ideal Use Cases	Basic browsing, streaming	HD streaming, online gaming	Smart homes, 4K streaming, IoT	8K streaming, AR/VR, IoT, smart cities, high bandwidth

How WiFi 6 Range Extenders Transforming Home Network:

WiFi Range extenders supporting WiFi 6 standards have become an integral part of modern networking. When we make WiFi 6 vs WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 vs WiFi 4 comparison, we come to know that the benefits of WiFi 6 and 6E are numerous.

For instance:

• Faster Speed:

Theoretically speaking the maximum data transfer rate that WiFi 6 can support is 9.6 Gbps across multiple channels. Although theoretically speed can never be achieved, devices using WiFi 6 range extenders enjoy significantly faster speed than WiFi 5 range extenders which can support up to 3.5Gbps speed.

What’s more, WiFi 6 has 75% reduced latency because it handles network traffic more effectively. It leads to better multimedia tasking and improved downloading and uploading speed for gamers.

• Improved Beamforming Technology:

WiFi 6 range extenders also feature improved beamforming technology that leads to enhanced data transfer. This is futurist technology that enables routers to locate the specific device that is requesting data. Therefore, instead of throwing data in all directions, the router sends data in a specific direction, saving bandwidth and enhancing the overall data transfer rate.

• Latest Security Protocols:

WiFi 5 features enhanced security protocols such as WPA and WPA2 protocols for a secure connection. However, these protocols have become vulnerable to various cybersecurity threats. WiFi 6 has stepped up the security level, incorporating the latest WPA3 security protocol. Now WiFi 6-connected or enabled devices feature WPA2 and WPA3 protocol, offering multi-factor authentication and encryption processes.

• 8×8 MU MIMO Technology:

MU MIMO or Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Outputs is the latest WiFi technology that allows more than one user to communicate with a router at a time. WiFi 5 employs unidirectional 4×4 MU-MIMO. This means that a certain number of users can access routers. When the number of simultaneous transmissions exceeds 4, the network becomes crowded and network speed slows down considerably.

Unlike WiFi 5, WiFi 6 range extenders support 8×8 MU MIMO technology. It enables them to handle up to 8 devices at a time through LAN wireless without any interference from other devices. What’s more, WiFi 6 is bidirectional, which means peripheral devices can connect to a router at any band, leading to improved uploading speed and enhanced data transfer rate.

• Dual Frequency Bands:

Unlike WiFi 5 which supports only the 5GHz band, it offers many advantages such as less interference from other devices. But WiFi 5 signals employing 5GHz have a shorter range and they are unable to penetrate walls and other obstacles.

WiFi 6 on the other hand relies upon both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Devices using WiFi 6 standard can automatically scan which frequency is best suited for them. You can get the best of both worlds, better speed when the close range is beneficial and robust, and long-distance coverage when peripheral devices are not within the same range.

WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6 Mesh: Which One Best Serves You Need?

In terms of speed, efficiency, and capacity, WiFi 6 Mesh is advanced and more suitable for large homes and workplaces. They are capable of supporting high data rates, allowing them to provide enough bandwidth to multiple devices simultaneously.

WiFi range extender-enabled Mesh networks are therefore recommended for demanding tasks such as 4K video streaming, managing IoT devices, and online gaming.

How Can We Help You?

Morgan Ingland Ltd. is one of the most prominent IT firms in the UK, specializing in offering the widest range of networking equipment including routers, modems, WiFi range extenders, network cables, and more. We deal in every brand manufacturing WiFi range extenders such as TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, and more.