WiFi 6 vs WiFi 6E

WiFi 6 (also known as IEEE standard 802.11ax) is an advanced wireless network standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, offering significant improvements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).

Here are the key features of Wi-Fi 6:

• Higher Data Throughput: Wi-Fi 6 utilizes 1024 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (1024-QAM) to fit up to 25% more data into the same frequency range compared to Wi-Fi 5.
• Reduced Downtime: It incorporates Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), which minimizes the gaps between bursts of data transmission.
• Increased Device Capacity: Wi-Fi 6 can handle up to eight independent streams of data, ensuring reliable connections across multiple devices within your home.
• Dual-Band Support: Unlike Wi-Fi 5 (which operates only in the 5 GHz band), Wi-Fi 6 can send and receive data over both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Ultra-Wide Channels: Wi-Fi 6 introduces a specialty feature—a single ultra-wide 160 MHz channel on its 5 GHz band—ideal for gaming and high-bandwidth applications.

WiFi 6E extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 by adding the 6 GHz band to its spectrum.

This new frequency band provides several advantages:

• More Channels: The 6 GHz band offers additional channels, reducing congestion and interference.
• Lower Latency: Wi-Fi 6E devices experience lower latency due to the cleaner spectrum.
• Simultaneous Band Usage: Routers and devices can use multiple bands simultaneously, enhancing reliability.
• Compatibility: While Wi-Fi 6E requires new hardware, it remains compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and previous versions.

Comparison table below:

Feature	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Speed	Up to 9.6 Gbps	Up to 9.6 Gbps (potentially faster in real-world due to less congestion on 6 GHz band)
Congestion	More crowded, especially on 2.4 GHz band	Less congested, especially on the new 6 GHz band
Channel Width	Up to 160 MHz on 5 GHz band	Up to 160 MHz on both 5 GHz and 6 GHz
Compatibility	Requires Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices	Requires Wi-Fi 6E compatible devices (for 6 GHz band)
Cost	Routers generally less expensive	Routers generally more expensive
Device Availability	More devices currently support Wi-Fi 6	Fewer devices currently support Wi-Fi 6E

WiFi 6 device is more widespread, many vendors published WiFi 6 router and GPON or XGPON ONT. Such as ZTE F6610M, Fiberhome HG6145F1, Huawei HN8145XR and router WS7002. Many internet service provides already provide WiFi 6 ONT to their subscribers.