In the constantly evolving world of wireless networking, Wi-Fi 7 is on the horizon of being released with significant advancements.
Though Wi-Fi 6E is already changing how we connect, it is good that we compare its features with the upcoming networking standard.
Here, we compare Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6E to explore their technical aspects and capabilities.
Wi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 7: Specifications
Before delving into the specific features of each Wi-Fi, let’s first review the table to gain an overview of the specifications.
| Specifications | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Launch Date | 2021 | 2024 (expected) |
| IEEE Standard | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz(Devices must be 6 GHz-enabled) | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz(Devices must be 6 GHz-enabled) |
| Channel Size | 20, 40, 80, 80+80, 160 MHz | Up to 320 MHz |
| Multi-link Operation (MLO) | No | Yes |
| Security | WPA3 | WPA3 & 4 |
| Compatibility | Backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and earlier Wi-Fi standards | Backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and earlier Wi-Fi standards |
1. Access Point
Wi-Fi 6E access points provide connectivity in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, as well as the 6 GHz band for compatible devices. The highest Wi-Fi 6E access point can support speeds of 8.4-9.6 Gbps.
The new Wi-Fi 7 access point can provide significantly higher data transfer speeds due to its broader channel and capacity gains from the 6GHz spectrum. It achieves peak rates of over 40 Gbps, which is four times higher than Wi-Fi 6E.
2. Range
Wi-Fi 6E performs best when your device is within 50 feet of the router with a clear line of sight. However, obstructions like walls, doors, or other obstacles can reduce the Wi-Fi range and speed.
The Wi-Fi range of Wi-Fi 7 decreases as the frequency rate increases; with 6GHz, it can reach up to only 45 feet.
3. Speed
Those setting up Wi-Fi 6E devices can experience faster speeds of up to 5.4 Gbps, twice as fast as Wi-Fi 6.
The upcoming Wi-Fi 7 is 2.4 times quicker with the same Wi-Fi setup. So, if you have a regular phone with Wi-Fi 7, you can reach up to 10 Gbps internet speed.
4. Latency
Wi-Fi 6E services provide fast response times, with latency as low as 2 milliseconds. This is a significant improvement compared to using the 5GHz band, where latency is usually higher, ranging from a few to 100 milliseconds.
Although the latency of Wi-Fi 7 has not been confirmed yet, many sources have mentioned that it will be less than 5 milliseconds.
Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 6E
This specification table enhances comprehension, comparing 6 and 6E Wi-Fi technologies that help you understand the differences easily.
| Specifications | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Data Bands | 2.4 and 5 GHz | 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz |
| Data Delivery Rate at 15 feet | 1.146 Gbps | 1.788 Gbps |
| Mesh Capable | Yes | Yes |
| Number of 160-MHz-wide Channels Available | 1 (in 5-GHz band) | 8 (1 in 5-GHz, 7 in 6-GHz bands) |
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 offers remarkable advancements in terms of features, range, speed, and coverage, outshines Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5. For an in-depth comparison of these Wi-Fi standards, refer to our blog, WiFi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7.
What are the new features in the Wi-Fi 7 standard?
We have listed the new features that are expected in the upcoming Wi-Fi 7.
- Offers higher speed and accommodates more devices
- Adapts better to ensure consistently low latency performance
- Contributes to delivering top-notch video quality and improved cloud gaming
- Support applications like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) that demand both high data speed and minimal delays
- Utilize channels with a width of up to 320 MHz.
- Simultaneously, it links with a Wi-Fi 7 device using two or more channels in different frequency bands.
Should You Upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 Router?
Wi-Fi 7 has the potential to improve your smart home experience with faster internet speeds, but you’ll need to upgrade all your devices to the new standard to reap the benefits.
Wi-Fi 7 routers can utilize more power to enhance the 6 GHz signal and extend coverage over a larger area. This is achievable due to automated frequency coordination (AFC), resulting in faster internet speeds, a more reliable connection, and a signal that reaches greater distances.
Is it worth upgrading to a Wi-Fi 7 router?
Whether upgrading to a Wi-Fi 7 router is worth it depends on your current equipment. If you have an older Wi-Fi 5 router, it will definitely be worth it, as you’ll likely see a big performance boost. However, if you have a newer router with Wi-Fi 6E, you might want to hold off a bit before upgrading.
Regardless, one of the best things about the introduction of new Wi-Fi standards is that they are always backward-compatible with existing ones. This means that your Wi-Fi 6 devices will work just fine with your Wi-Fi 7 router but you won’t be able to reach the maximum speeds offered by the latest generation of Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 (also known as 802.11be) will use the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands just like Wi-Fi 6E, but its biggest selling point is Extremely High Throughput (EHT). This will allow Wi-Fi 7 routers to reach speeds of up to 46 Gbps. Yes, you read that correctly.
The newest Wi-Fi standard boasts a significant advantage over existing ones. It will provide multiple multi-link options to increase throughput and reduce latency. Traditional Wi-Fi devices use a single link to transmit data, but Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) enables devices to send and receive data simultaneously across different frequency bands and channels.
If you want the fastest experience, Wi-Fi 7 is 4.8 times faster than Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 7 introduces a new feature called Restricted Target Wake Time, which allows your router to reserve bandwidth for specific types of transmissions. This feature is likely to increase the battery life of your smartphone, laptop, and other connected devices.
Wi-Fi 6E has expanded bandwidth, but Wi-Fi 7 is expected to surpass this by offering a 320MHz channel width on the 6GHz band. This is twice the maximum channel bandwidth of the 5GHz band (which is 160 MHz) and nearly four times the 83 MHz of channel bandwidth available on the entire 2.4GHz band.
We’ll have to wait until we get a chance to test out some Wi-Fi 7 routers in person but on paper, Wi-Fi 7 is a huge upgrade over both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E.
Wi-Fi 6E
In 2019, the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 (also known as 802.11ax) was significant as it marked the first new Wi-Fi version in five years. Unlike the previous standard, 802.11ac, which only utilized the 5 gigahertz (GHz) band, Wi-Fi 6 operates on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 increases the maximum speed from 6.9 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 9.6 Gbps.
In 2021, something unprecedented happened with Wi-Fi. An extended version of 802.11ax, called Wi-Fi 6E, was introduced. Wi-Fi 6E not only reduces a router’s latency but also introduces a new 6 GHz band, made possible by an additional block of spectrum unlocked by the FCC. This provides users with even more bands to work with. While the 2.4 GHz band offers the longest range, the 5 and 6 GHz bands are much faster.
It’s important to note that Wi-Fi 6E offers the same speed as Wi-Fi 6, but Wi-Fi 6 routers cannot access the 6GHz band. If you’re considering getting a top mesh Wi-Fi system but don’t own any Wi-Fi 6E devices, don’t worry – many mesh routers, like the TP-Link Deco XE75, utilize the 6GHz band for wireless backhaul. This means that the mesh satellites will communicate over the 6GHz band, freeing up the 2.4 and 5GHz bands for your other devices.
Wi-Fi 6E has wider channels and more of them than previous Wi-Fi standards. It offers 21 channels at various frequencies, which means if you live in a crowded area, you’re less likely to experience interference from your neighbor’s router.
FAQs about Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7:
What are the key differences between Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 6E introduces the 6 GHz band, while Wi-Fi 7 offers even higher speeds and multi-link operation for increased capacity.
Will upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 improve my existing Wi-Fi 6E network?
While Wi-Fi 7 offers significant advancements, the benefits will be most apparent when all devices in the network support the new standard.
How does Wi-Fi 7 handle latency compared to Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 7 promises lower latency, enhancing real-time applications like gaming and AR/VR experiences.
Are Wi-Fi 6E devices compatible with Wi-Fi 7 routers?
Yes, Wi-Fi 6E devices can connect to Wi-Fi 7 routers, but they won’t fully utilize the maximum speeds offered by Wi-Fi 7.
What should I consider before upgrading to Wi-Fi 7?
Evaluate your current equipment and network needs to determine if the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 justify the investment, considering factors like device compatibility and expected performance gains.
Conclusion:
In the ongoing evolution of wireless networking, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 represent significant milestones, each bringing notable advancements in speed, range, and latency. While Wi-Fi 6E introduces the 6 GHz band and wider channels, Wi-Fi 7 elevates performance further with multi-link operation, higher speeds, and reduced latency. The decision to upgrade depends on individual needs and existing equipment, but both standards promise to enhance connectivity in the ever-growing ecosystem of connected devices.
