The Future of Wi-Fi is Bright: Wi-Fi 6E

Even in these pandemic-like times and the era of contactless interactions, people and businesses are increasingly using conference calling apps like Zoom and video chat apps like FaceTime to stay connected. Consequently, Wi-Fi usage has surged worldwide. Wi-Fi calling is also gaining traction, as more and more mobile subscribers are using their Wi-Fi-connected phones to participate in meetings. 88% increase (AT&T basis)It's done.

While no one could have predicted today's work-from-home environment, the FCC's decision last year to open the 6GHz band (doubling the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum) for unlicensed use was perfectly timed. This doesn't mean 6GHz will have an immediate impact on Wi-Fi networks using Wi-Fi 6E, as these types of devices are still in development.
Rather, it's because more Wi-Fi spectrum is needed to fuel demand for more immersive ways to improve the way people live and work. Augmented reality and VR headsets are still in their infancy, but they are beginning to emerge as important solutions, especially for ensuring business continuity. Real Business CasesThere is.

So why do we need 6GHz?

The answer to this is Demand for Wi-Fi bandwidth is expected to exceed the bandwidth currently available in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands over the next decade.According to the FCC, “The United States should allow unlicensed use of new mid-band spectrum up to 1.6 GHz by 2025.”Aruba has worked closely with industry practitioners to help achieve these planning goals, and this decision ensures that Aruba has the diverse technologies needed to address the explosive growth of new Wi-Fi devices.

Written by Aruba's Chuck Lukaszewski, who led the Aruba business This blog contentYou can find more information about 6GHz here.

So, what is Wi-Fi 6E? Wi-Fi 6E is the Wi-Fi Alliance's designation for Wi-Fi 6, which operates in the 6GHz band. This means that the same technology currently being actively deployed as Wi-Fi 6 will also be used in the 6GHz band in the future. However, while Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 4, 5, and others, Wi-Fi 6E will be the only Wi-Fi standard that will be used in the 6GHz spectrum. Existing 802.11g/n/ac devices cannot support this new band because they lack a 6GHz radio.

Should I buy Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E?

There's still a lot of work to do before we see Wi-Fi 6E devices. This includes additional steps to certify devices with the FCC and Wi-Fi Alliance. If you have a Wi-Fi project in the works, it's still too early for Wi-Fi 6E. The 6GHz band is only available in a few countries, and client support will be limited for the next few years.

To address the challenges you face today and experience the technology of Wi-Fi 6E first, we offer the latest AI Insights and SLA-based application performance guarantees provided by Aruba Central. All Aruba Wi-Fi 6 certified productsI think now is the perfect time to take a look.

It's exciting to think about the transformative future that Wi-Fi will bring over the next decade.