WiFi has very much become the glue that keeps our devices connected to the internet, and while in some ways it's rather straightforward, it can also be complicated. Just like operating systems, they release a new and improved version every few years.
What is WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 is the newest and current version of WiFi. It still connects you to the internet, but it's faster and more efficient as it connects to more devices. It's also known as WiFi AX or WiFi 802.11ax, and succeeds WiFi AC (802.11ac), which has retroactively been rebranded to WiFi 5.
It was first approved in early 2014 but didn't release until 2019.
How fast is WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 can deliver speeds as fast as 9.6Gbps. That's up by 3.5Gbps on what WiFi 5 was capable of achieving. Of course, these speeds are theoretical maximums - it's unlikely you'll ever see wireless speed that fast in the real one. For one, it would only be possible for a local file transfer given most Australian internet connects max out at 100Mbps. Even on an NBN 1000 plan, you're looking at maximum speeds of only around 600-700Mbps.
The higher theoretical speeds do however mean there's more bandwidth across your network for multiple devices to share. The 9.6Gbps doesn't go to just one device, it's distributed across your entire network.
What else does WiFi 6 do?
In addition to being faster, WiFi 6 is more efficient - the network is better at handling multiple devices. This is important because many of us are now adding more and more connected products into our homes. The more devices connect to your WiFi network, the more it can slow down.
Even if a device isn't actively using a lot of bandwidth, it still needs to talk to the modem, and that takes up air time. To address this, WiFi 6 has smarter management features that lets routers communicate with more devices at once, send data to multiple devices simultaneously, and lets devices schedule check-ins.
Essentially, this should help smart homes full of devices - especially connected products like smart bulbs and speakers - maintain seamless performance.
What is the difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6e?
WiFi 6e is an "extended" version of WiFi 6. In addition to supporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it also supports 6GHz. The 6GHz band has been approved for use in Australia since early 2022 enabling the sale of WiFi 6e routers down under. While the higher frequency means faster speeds it also reduces the range of the signal. It's also more impacted by physical barriers such as walls and floors.
Unlike previous WiFi standards, WiFi 6e isn't backwards compatible and will only work with 6e-compatible devices.
How do I get WiFi 6?
To take advantage of WiFi 6, you need a router that supports WiFi 6, as well as WiFi 6 compatible devices in your home. If your phone has WiFi 6, you won't get any benefits without a WiFi 6 router and vice-versa.
What devices support WiFi 6?
There's now a growing list of phones, laptops, and other devices that support WiFi 6.
- Apple
- iPhone 14 family, iPhone 13 family, iPhone 12 family, iPhone 11 family, iPhone SE (2022)
- Pixel 7 family, Pixel 6 family
- Motorola
- Razr 40 family, Edge 40 family, Edge 30 family, Razr 2022
- Samsung
- Galaxy S23 family, Galaxy S22 family, Galaxy S21 family, Galaxy S20 family, Galaxy Z Flip (3-5), Galaxy Z Fold (2-5)
What modems and routers support WiFi 6?
We're now seeing more and more routers that support WiFi 6. You can find an entry-level device for less than $150. Prices can reach over $500 for mid-tier models and some WiFi 6 mesh systems cost over $1,000.
At this stage, the majority of WiFi 6 network hardware is standalone routers, rather than modem routers. There's a difference between the two, a modem is used to facilitate a connection to the internet, whereas a router is responsible for distributing that connection to different devices in your hub. A device that does both is called a modem router.
Examples of modem routers include those bundled into NBN plans from Telstra, Optus and TPG.
If you want a WiFi 6 router, there's a chance you may need a standalone modem as well, depending on your NBN technology type.
Here's what you'll need for each different connection type:
- Fibre to the Premises NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug directly into your NBN connection box mounted to your wall.
- Hybrid-Fibre Coaxial NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the NBN connection box
- Fibre to the Node NBN: You'll need a modem router. This will plug into the telephone socket used to facilitate your NBN connection.
- Fibre to the Building NBN: You'll need a modem router. This will plug into the telephone socket used to facilitate your NBN connection.
- Fibre to the Curb NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the NBN Connection Box supplied by NBN Co for free.
- Fixed Wireless NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the connection box supplied by NBN Co.
- Satellite NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the satellite modem that NBN Co supplies for free.
Learn more about checking your NBN connection type.
At this stage, we've seen WiFi 6 routers from manufacturers including Amazon eero, ASUS, D-Link, Google, Linksys, Netgear, Tenda and TP-Link. Routers that support WiFi 6 will typically have WiFi 6 and/or "AX" in their names.
Should I upgrade to WiFi 6 now?
If you're planning on buying a new modem router soon, it's certainly worth considering one that supports WiFi 6. A WiFi 6 router will help keep your home future-proof, and it’s the kind of purchase you only want to make once every four or five years. But if your existing modem router is still going strong, there's absolutely no need to rush out and upgrade.
The same applies to your devices. There's no need to buy a new phone or laptop just because your current one doesn't support WiFi 6. WiFi 6 isn't a feature you'd upgrade for. It's just a feature you'll likely end up with next time you buy a new device. Don't stress about it.
An upgrade to WiFi 6 would best serve NBN 1000 users who stand to gain the most from accessing the faster speeds WiFi 6 can deliver.
Here's a look at the NBN 1000 plans from WhistleOut's database:
|
#1
|
Tangerine Telecom
Fixed Wireless Superspeedy
$84.90/mth
Min. cost $84.90
|
|
#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Ultrafast
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Superloop
nbn Fixed Wireless Super Fast (400/40)
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
|
|
#4
|
Activ8me
Fixed Wireless Super Fast
$89.95/mth
Min. cost $89.95
|
|
#5
|
MATE
Flamin' Fast nbn 1000/50
$90/mth
Min. cost $90
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited 1000
$90/mth
Min. cost $90
|
|
#7
|
Vodafone
Home Ultrafast nbn®
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
iiNet
nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless
$94.99/mth
Min. cost $94.99
|
|
#9
|
TPG
nbn Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan
$94.99/mth
Min. cost $94.99
|
|
#10
|
Kogan Internet
nbn1000 Diamond Unlimited
$98.90/mth
Min. cost $98.90
|
What about WiFi 7?
Wait, there's more? Yes, just as with nearly every other piece of tech these days the next iteration is already in ongoing development.
WiFi 7 (802.11be, in the old naming convention) supports the same bands as WiFi 6 but these are broken into different channels. It's also being called "Extremely High Throughput", or EHT for short. If you think of WiFi 6 as the answer in a world where everyone uses more devices then WiFi 7 is all about making those devices faster. WiFi 7 allows more data to be transmitted simultaneously. It also features Multi-Link Operation which results in greater efficiency and reduces congestion.
The theoretical maximum speeds that can be achieved on WiFi 7 are 46Gbps. Though just as with WiFi 6 it's unlikely anyone will ever reach that. While the final certification for the new standard is a little way off (it's expected in early 2024), manufacturers like TP-Link have already announced their first WiFi 7 products.
WiFi 6 FAQs
Yes, WiFi 6 is much better than WiFi 5 owing to the way it's able to deliver faster connections with less congestion. However, it's not a must-have feature. If you have an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan it might suit you better as you'll be able to really take advantage of the upgrade in technology it brings.
No, WiFi 6 will only work on routers and devices with WiFi 6 capability. Many products made in the last three years support WiFi 6 but older technology was made for WiFi 5.
Yes both WiFi 6 and WiFi 6e are approved for use in Australia and you can buy modem routers enabled for either one.
Sign up and get money-saving deals, telco news and more.
Find a better internet plan
Thousands of internet plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
