WiFi 4, WiFi 5, WiFi 6: these are the differences
At the end of 2019, the new WiFi standard WiFi 6 will prevail. In this practical tip, we explain what distinguishes WiFi 6 from its predecessors WiFi 5 and WiFi 4.
WiFi 6, WiFi 5 and WiFi 4 - Explanation of terms
The terms WLAN and WiFi are mostly used synonymously. The differences are also very small. In principle, both stand for a wireless network.
- In order to simplify the names for the individual standards, the old WiFi names have been replaced by the new WiFi terms.
- WLAN 802.11n was released in 2009. This version is now called WiFi 4.
- The successor version from 2014, then WLAN 802.11ac, is now called WiFi 5.
- The new standard, which should be called WLAN 802.11ax, becomes WiFi 6.
This is new in WiFi 6
On the one hand, WiFi 6 should make the connections more stable, and on the other hand ensure faster data rates.
- With WiFi 6, the maximum bandwidth should be 10 to 11 Gbit per second. In comparison, the maximum data rate of WiFi 5 was only 1.3 Gbit per second and WiFi 4 only managed 150 to 600 megabits per second.
- WiFi 6 distributes its maximum bandwidth over up to 8 channels. In theory, a router can communicate with eight devices and exchange data at the same time.
- The high data transfer in connection with the data exchange with several devices comes from a combination of various functions, which is hidden behind the somewhat cryptic name MU-MIMO - OFDMA.
- MU-MIMO stands for "Multiple User - Multiple Input, Multiple Output”. This is to achieve better use of the router antennas.
- While with WiFi 5 the router only ever transmits the input and output to the respective end device, routers with WiFi 6 should be able to send the data to several devices simultaneously. With this WLAN standard, he can also receive data from different end devices.
- The abbreviation OFDMA stands for "Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access". This technique is used to support MU-MIMO.
- This is achieved by the technology better dividing the incoming and outgoing signals over the 8 channels used by WiFi 6. This is supposed to make the WLAN network more stable, especially under high load.
- However, in order to take advantage of the fast WiFi connection, both the router and the end device must support the new standard. AMV has already presented the first Fritzbox with super fast WiFi 6.
