--- title: What In The World Is Wi-Fi 6? description: "You may have heard of a new, faster networking technology on the horizon: Wi-Fi 6." image: https://blog.next-it.net/hubfs/next%20it%20blog%20wifi6.jpg --- 866.388.6398 [support@next-it.net](mailto:support@next-it.net) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/nextittech/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/nextit) - [COVID-19 RESOURCES](https://www.next-it.net/covid-19-resources/) - [GET SUPPORT](https://www.next-it.net/support-center/) [![Next I.T.](https://blog.next-it.net/hubfs/Next_IT_November2018_Theme/images/NITwhite-Logo.png)](https://www.next-it.net/) - [HOME](https://www.next-it.net/) - [SERVICES](https://next-it.net/solution-stack/) - [Managed Services](https://next-it.net/managed-i-t-services/) - [COVID-19 Resources](https://www.next-it.net/covid-19-resources/) - [Data Security](https://next-it.net/solution-stack/cyber-security/) - [Disaster Recovery](https://next-it.net/solution-stack/backup-disaster-recovery/) - [Office 365 Backup](https://next-it.net/solution-stack/cloud-services/) - [Continuity](https://next-it.net/solution-stack/cloud-services/) - [CASE STUDIES](https://next-it.net/case-studies/) - [SUPPORT CENTER](https://next-it.net/support-center/) - [EVENTS](https://next-it.net/next-it-events/) - [BLOG](https://blog.next-it.net/) - [CONTACT](https://www.next-it.net/contact/) - [Referral Program](https://www.next-it.net/referral-program/) - [Sponsorships](https://www.next-it.net/contact/sponsorships/) - [GET SUPPORT](https://www.next-it.net/support-center/) # What In The World Is Wi-Fi 6? by [Next I.T](https://blog.next-it.net/author/next-i-t) | Dec 04, 2019 | [tech times](https://blog.next-it.net/tag/tech-times), [tech tips](https://blog.next-it.net/tag/tech-tips) |   ![next it blog wifi6](https://blog.next-it.net/hs-fs/hubfs/next%20it%20blog%20wifi6.jpg?width=1000&name=next%20it%20blog%20wifi6.jpg) You may have heard of a new, faster networking technology on the horizon: **Wi-Fi 6**. What is it exactly, and how is it any different from the traditional Wi-Fi that the majority of people already have? Here, we will give you a quick rundown of what Wi-Fi 6 *is*, what to expect, and how to get it. #### What exactly *is* Wi-Fi 6? Wi-Fi 6 is essentially the next generation of Wi-Fi. Initially named 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 succeeds it's predecessor (Wi-Fi 5/802.11ac) with much faster speeds and better multi-device capabilities. It promises 9.6 Gbps of bandwidth compared to 3.5 Gbps on Wi-Fi 5. #### How is it faster? Each iteration of Wi-Fi utilizes a method called **QAM**, or **Quadrature Amplitude Modulation**, which essentially lets the network transmit 8 bits of data simultaneously. Wi-Fi 6 is transitioning to using 1024-QAM, which allows 10 bits to be transmitted at once - thus, increasing speeds about 25%! Wi-Fi 6 also utilizes two technologies that help increase speed: **MU-MIMO and OFDMA**. MU-MIMO, or "multi-user, multiple input, multiple output", technology helps multiple users and devices connect to a network at once without clogging it up and slowing down the speed. Wi-Fi 6 offers an upgraded version of it - offering router connectivity to up to 8 devices versus 4 that it offered before. **OFDMA**, or **Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access**, allows wireless access points to transmit data to multiple users at once. #### Are there benefits? Wi-Fi 6 not only increases internet speeds and improves multi-device capabilities, but it also **improves the battery life** of your devices! Because your devices won't be constantly trying to fight for a connection to the network (more devices on one network!), it will cause less battery life to be used.  ![battery gif](https://blog.next-it.net/hs-fs/hubfs/battery%20gif.gif?width=224&name=battery%20gif.gif) On top of improved battery life, Wi-Fi 6 promises better [security](https://blog.next-it.net/cyber-security-5-ways-to-lock-the-hackers-out) for your important data and personal information. It comes with a new and improved security update, WPA3, which will make it incredibly difficult for hackers to obtain your information and passwords. For more tips on how to protect yourself against a cyber attack, [click here](https://blog.next-it.net/national-cyber-security-awareness-month-are-you-protected). #### How Can I Get It? To get the new Wi-Fi, you'll need to get a new router and new devices that support Wi-Fi 6. A lot of new devices will have a "Wi-Fi 6" symbol on them, indicating they are Wi-Fi 6-capable. New routers can range from $70-$350, so if you are serious about upgrading your internet speed and capabilities for your home or business, it's worth checking out! Keeping up to date with your [professional consulting service](https://www.next-it.net/professional-consulting-solutions/) provider is also essential to staying in the know.   ##### For More Information About All Things Wi-Fi, Contact Us! [![Contact Us!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3504182/7c7efc3e-edbe-4196-9b51-387dd2a5d251.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3504182/7c7efc3e-edbe-4196-9b51-387dd2a5d251) ## Let's Connect Three locations in Michigan ### Kalamazoo [5340 Holiday Terrace, Suite 10](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5320+Holiday+Terrace+%232,+Kalamazoo,+MI+49009/@42.2651537,-85.6581764,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x881776e4fddbad4b:0x1fd4cff619fd7d8f!2s5320+Holiday+Terrace+%232,+Kalamazoo,+MI+49009!3b1!8m2!3d42.2651537!4d-85.6559824!3m4!1s0x881776e4fddbad4b:0x1fd4cff619fd7d8f!8m2!3d42.2651537!4d-85.6559824) [Kalamazoo, MI 49009](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5320+Holiday+Terrace+%232,+Kalamazoo,+MI+49009/@42.2651537,-85.6581764,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x881776e4fddbad4b:0x1fd4cff619fd7d8f!2s5320+Holiday+Terrace+%232,+Kalamazoo,+MI+49009!3b1!8m2!3d42.2651537!4d-85.6559824!3m4!1s0x881776e4fddbad4b:0x1fd4cff619fd7d8f!8m2!3d42.2651537!4d-85.6559824) [269-659-3947](tel:2696593947) [866-388-6398](tel:+8663886398) ### Muskegon [423 West Norton Avenue](https://www.google.com/maps/place/423+W+Norton+Ave,+Muskegon,+MI+49444/@43.1901812,-86.2578367,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88197e000f4faf13:0x4f6f482ce7c3b7d3!8m2!3d43.1901812!4d-86.2556427)[Muskegon, MI 49441](https://www.google.com/maps/place/423+W+Norton+Ave,+Muskegon,+MI+49444/@43.1901812,-86.2578367,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88197e000f4faf13:0x4f6f482ce7c3b7d3!8m2!3d43.1901812!4d-86.2556427) [231-739-6398](tel:2317396398) [866-388-6398](tel:+8663886398) ### Traverse City [3139 Logan Valley Road](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3139+Logan+Valley+Rd,+Traverse+City,+MI+49684/@44.7318914,-85.6214977,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x881e32dee139ce91:0x3cc5ced50fd23d85!2s3139+Logan+Valley+Rd,+Traverse+City,+MI+49684!3b1!8m2!3d44.7318914!4d-85.6193037!3m4!1s0x881e32dee139ce91:0x3cc5ced50fd23d85!8m2!3d44.7318914!4d-85.6193037) [Traverse City, MI 49684](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3139+Logan+Valley+Rd,+Traverse+City,+MI+49684/@44.7318914,-85.6214977,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x881e32dee139ce91:0x3cc5ced50fd23d85!2s3139+Logan+Valley+Rd,+Traverse+City,+MI+49684!3b1!8m2!3d44.7318914!4d-85.6193037!3m4!1s0x881e32dee139ce91:0x3cc5ced50fd23d85!8m2!3d44.7318914!4d-85.6193037) [231-739-6398](tel:2317396398) [866-388-6398](tel:+8663886398)