Have you considered a WiFi 6 router for faster connectivity?
Have you considered a WiFi 6 router for faster connectivity?
Our router’s WiFi 5 mode seems to be heading for a vacation to Gehenna, so I’m looking for a replacement. I’ve been planning to upgrade to WiFi 6, which makes this update timely. Do any of you have suggestions for reliable WiFi 6 routers? It should handle both WiFi 2 and 5 devices smoothly. Since I’m not limited by a tight budget, there’s a solid option to consider. I’ll keep that in mind but will also factor in the needs of my tech-savvy household. Note: Even though our home is large, the signal drops significantly in the middle of the property. Most devices within 16ft/5m work fine, while those farther away only support SD content. I’m uncertain about the exact drop-off rate, so setting up a networked satellite might be worthwhile.
WiFi overall needs backward compatibility. From what I understand, the WiFi 6 standard is still being refined. Features like 6GHz might be added later. Some of these capabilities won’t be present in today’s routers. My suggestion is to wait a year or two and let the industry develop further. You’ll find faster devices eventually, possibly at a reduced price compared to buying now. If you prefer not to wait, I recommend looking into Asus. They’ve received positive feedback generally. However, I haven’t seen much specific information about WiFi 6 gear yet.
I purchased a Netgear RAX15, which turned out to be quite inadequate and required a return. Subsequently, I acquired a TP-Link Archer AX50, and there have been no problems since. WiFi 6 works well with all previous generations of WiFi. The main distinction lies in compatibility—some gadgets only function on 2.4Ghz, so ensure you connect them to that frequency rather than the 5Ghz band. Additionally, not every encryption standard is available in all versions; for instance, enabling WPA2 might prevent older devices that only support WEP or WPA from connecting. Generally, this won't be a major concern with modern equipment. Many users overlook the importance of assigning devices to either 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz. The 5Ghz spectrum offers speed but can become congested, especially with IoT and other busy applications. It's best to place IoT or less demanding tasks on the 2.4Ghz band, while reserving the 5Ghz for devices you actively use and expect top performance from—such as PCs and streaming gadgets. If everything is on the 5Ghz, overall performance will suffer.
WiFi 6 is merely an enhancement over WiFi 5. The main change could be the inclusion of 6 GHz in the WiFi specifications. In reality, all WiFi 5 devices need to support dual-band operation. The Wireless AC standard operates at 5 GHz. WiFi 5 should suffice for gaming purposes. If you're experiencing problems, the issue might lie with your internet service provider.
And observe that 6 GHz Wi-Fi is commonly called "Wifi 6E". Not all upcoming routers will carry this version, since it usually means adding a third antenna for the 6 GHz frequency (which is what most makers are planning now). This suggests Wifi 6e will remain a specialized option, while most mid-range devices will stick to 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Also, your labeling of "WiFi 2" and "WiFi 5" seems mixed up—WiFi 5 is 802.11ac, which works on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, whereas Wi-Fi 6 is 802.11ax, supporting both bands plus extra features like OFDMA and higher throughput. Wi-Fi 6E builds on that by including the 6 GHz band as well. Yes, prioritize the 5 GHz whenever you can, as it offers faster speeds and less interference than the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Ideally, reserve 2.4 GHz for devices needing minimal bandwidth, such as IoT gadgets. Edited August 10, 2020 by RMerlin Added clarification about frequency usage
The core problem is the router isn't working on the 5GHz band anymore, so it's stuck using the 2.4GHz network. The real concern isn't whether to replace the router, but what better option there is. With three Wi-Fi 6 devices already in use, especially on the desktop for gaming, the difference between 5 and 6 is minimal. It makes more sense to upgrade to a Wi-Fi 6 router rather than just a 5GHz one.
I really enjoy my Asus RT-AX3000. The firmware here is top-notch compared to any regular router firmware I've tried. It also works with Asus-Merlin if you're interested. The price is about $179 USD or $239 in Canada. I just saw the Merlin firmware dev post in this thread, Hi.
With existing Wi-Fi 6 devices already in place, the investment becomes worthwhile, particularly since simultaneous connections unlock real performance gains through better bandwidth use. The decision often hinges on budget considerations. Mid-range routers supporting AX standards are now available, such as the Asus RT-AX58U and RT-AX3000, making them solid options. I find it challenging to justify spending a lot on premium routers like the Asus RT-AX88U, as the incremental benefits over Wi-Fi 5 usually don’t match their higher cost.