Should You Wait for Wi-Fi 7 Before Upgrading Your Router? (2023)
Just about every WIRED reader is common with that continuous problem: Wait around for new engineering, or invest in now? No subject how great a gadget is, there will pretty much absolutely be something much better arriving before long. Brands work out the kinks and charges fall. Figuring out which new technologies are really worth the early adopter tax, and which to move on until they enhance, is a authentic obstacle.
Even shopping for some thing as utilitarian as a Wi-Fi router is a minefield. Wi-Fi 6 is an effortless least suggestion for most people right now. But possibly you are eyeing the increased speed and overall performance of the recently opened 6-GHz band. You may possibly be taking into consideration a Wi-Fi 6E method, but with Wi-Fi 7 on the horizon, should really you hold out?
The Trouble With Wi-Fi 6E
If you want a greater knowing of the distinctions, we have guides on Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 that dig into the details. But for our applications right here, we are hunting at the opening up of the 6-GHz band. Right up until Wi-Fi 6E arrived together, we relied upon the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands for all our Wi-Fi needs. Wi-Fi 6E opened up the 6-GHz spectrum for the 1st time, but there are limits in spot that restrict its overall performance.
We spoke to Kevin Robinson, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance, to obtain out much more. When the FCC gave permission to use the unlicensed 6-GHz band for Wi-Fi, it had concerns about prospective interference for current license holders. Utilities and unexpected emergency expert services depend on microwave hyperlinks and other wi-fi connections on the 6-GHz band for matters like electrical power grid operations. It is also made use of for satellite connection communications, wireless backhaul for carriers, and by some broadcasters. To mitigate those people problems, the FCC specified that Wi-Fi 6E programs would be restricted to lower-electric power indoor procedure. (Observe that these policies fluctuate from country to state, based on the human body in charge.)
By limiting power for Wi-Fi 6E methods, the shorter range of the 6-GHz band is ensured, in essence limiting it to indoor use. The sign is blocked by walls, so there is quite small hazard of any interference for incumbents. The dilemma is that this electricity restriction correctly curtails the 6-GHz band.
We have tested several Wi-Fi 6E routers and mesh programs, and though they allow for some impressively quickly and steady connections, the assortment of the 6-GHz band is incredibly limited. Hope lightning-quickly connections in the similar space as the router, but move future doorway or upstairs and they drop off sharply or hand you more than to the 5-GHz band.
Acquiring the Most from Wi-Fi 6E
Even with the restrictions, Wi-Fi 6E does offer you rewards above Wi-Fi 6, but only in specific eventualities. Most people never have many units that can hook up on the 6-GHz band. The present-day list includes latest Samsung Galaxy S phones and Google Pixels, but not Apple’s iPhones, though Apple has extra 6E assist to the most recent MacBook Pros and iPad Pros. There is also no 6E aid in the most current consoles, and it’s continue to scarce in laptops and computer systems outside the house the latest best-of-the-line types.
If you go for a one Wi-Fi 6E router, recall that you can only consider gain of the 6-GHz band when your related equipment assist 6-GHz and are within variety. For case in point, you have the router in your home office environment and a smartphone and notebook that aid Wi-Fi 6E. The risk with a tri-band router is that you almost never have anything connected to the 6-GHz band. For most men and women, a tri-band procedure with a single 2.4-GHz and two 5-GHz bands will perform just as nicely, and most likely greater, than a system with a 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz band.