For the past decade, we've all relied on the so-called WiFi 5.However, that's starting to become a thing of the past and is giving way to the next-generation wireless standard, WiFi 6, which happens to be supported by all the latest computers (MacBooks).
This means that home WiFi can become more reliable, but only if you have equipment that supports WiFi 6 (e.g. Apple Macbooks).
What you need to know about WiFi 6:
How much faster is WiFi 6?
The WiFi standard you're probably using right now has a maximum transmission speed of around 3 Gigabits per second (Gbps). WiFi 6 extends that maximum to almost 10Gbps. That's about 3 times faster.
This means that the laptop can operate much faster, while at the same time all devices connected to the internet can enjoy very high speeds. Tests have shown that the signal strength increases significantly on compatible devices that are in the same room as a WiFi 6 router.
In short, WiFi 6 can give you a noticeable speed boost if you're close to your router. But more importantly, you'll get great results even if multiple people are trying to watch HD movies, play video games, or make calls at the same time. However, the best part is that we're talking about the beginning of WiFi 6. This means that it can get even better over time.
What other devices support WiFi 6?
If you decide to get a WiFi 6 router, you should know that you need to already have some devices that can support it.
Below are some of the devices that support WiFi 6:
- iPhone 11, 12, iPhone SE
- Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Fold 1 and 2
- OnePlus 8 phones, such as the Pro and 8
- Samsung 8K TVs , such as the Q900
- ASUS Chromebook Flip C436
- PlayStation 5
Of course, this list will grow over time. If you already have (or are planning to get) any of the above products, you can invest in a WiFi 6 router.
WiFi 6 routers you can buy
There are several WiFi 6 routers out there, from large and reliable companies like Netgear and Linksys.
If you are interested in such a purchase, see the suggestions below:
The ASUS RT-AX88U comes with eight Ethernet ports, which makes it easy to connect to WiFi if you use them properly. Plus, according to PCMag, it's a good choice because it performs very well and is easy to use.
If Ethernet ports are very important to you, then the TP-Link AX6000 is the one for you.
Finally, the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 router (around $400) is a good choice, as it also promises high performance, even when many people are using WiFi at the same time.
In general, at least $250 is needed for a good WiFi 6 router.
Naturally, there is no reason for anxiety or haste regarding the transition. The existing networking standard, WiFi 5, is here and you can use it for a long time still. However, if you want to make the most of your new MacBook, you can invest in a WiFi 6 router.
Source: Mashable
