--- 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.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/next%20it%20blog%20wifi6.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-in-the-world-is-wi-fi-6#main-content) [![NIT powered by VN big](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NIT%20powered%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=NIT%20powered%20by%20VN%20big.png "NIT powered by VN big")](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com) [![NIT powered by VN big](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NIT%20powered%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=NIT%20powered%20by%20VN%20big.png "NIT powered by VN big")](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com) - [Home](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/our-services) - [Industries](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/industries) - [Resources](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/resources) - [Blog](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [Case Studies](https://go.valeonetworks.com/resources-case-study) - [Testimonials](https://go.valeonetworks.com/testimonials) - [About](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/our-story) - [Is This You](http://valeonetworks.com/is-this-you) [866-388-6398](tel:8663886398) [Client Portal](http://portal.valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [866-388-6398](tel:8663886398) [Client Portal](http://portal.valeonetworks.com) - [Home](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/our-services) - [Industries](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/industries) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/resources) - [Blog](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [Case Studies](https://go.valeonetworks.com/resources-case-study) - [Testimonials](https://go.valeonetworks.com/testimonials) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://nextit.valeonetworks.com/our-story) - [Is This You](http://valeonetworks.com/is-this-you) [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/nextittech/) [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/nextittech/) [*LinkedIn*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextittech/) [*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/nextit) 2 min read # What In The World Is Wi-Fi 6? [Next I.T](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/next-i-t) : Dec 4, 2019, 1:23:00 PM [Managed IT Services](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) 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.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/battery%20gif.gif?width=224&name=battery%20gif.gif)   On top of improved battery life, Wi-Fi 6 promises better [security](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/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.valeonetworks.com/blog/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! 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