How is WiFi 5 different from WiFi 7? Does it make sense to look for devices with a newer standard? We will clearly explain the main features of each generation of wireless connection.
WiFi stands for the simple possibility of wirelessly connecting a portable device to the Internet or perhaps to a home network. The expansion of this standard occurred together with the possibility of connecting to the Internet in combination with the arrival of portable devices (laptops, mobile phones, smart home and IoT). With increased usage and the need to connect more different devices to the network come challenges and their solutions.
In order to better understand the whole issue, I will use an analogy with road traffic in the street. In the very beginnings, when one car passes here and there, there is no need to solve anything. As the number of cars starts to increase, there is a need to create traffic rules. But the number of cars keeps increasing until the street gets clogged and the traffic is slow. In this way, a flyover (another band) will be built, which will transfer most of the traffic elsewhere, at a higher speed, too – an analogy of the next band (5 GHz). And as the number of cars will continue to increase, just as more WiFi devices will be added, new and new standards will be created.
The original 2.4 GHz band seemed sufficient in the beginning. But far more devices work in this band – Bluetooth, wireless mice and keyboards, smart socket controllers, wireless headphones and more. This can lead to extremes, as described by one of my acquaintances: “My router is a meter from my laptop and I’m happy with 5 Mb/s, and I have a good enough router.” I have 18 WiFi networks nearby. It’s just that the disturbance in the block of flats is appalling, you can’t stop it. I personally can’t use a keyboard or a mouse wirelessly – there’s so much interference that sometimes it doesn’t respond at all.”
This is the main reason why the 5 GHz band has also been added. This has its advantages – greater channel width, less interference, but also a disadvantage, namely a smaller signal range. And because the number of cars is increasing, the 6 Ghz band has arrived for WiFi 6. Devices that can use this band are labeled as WiFi 6E.
For an idea, I present a screenshot from the InSSIDer program from my residence. You won’t find a free channel and there are so many wireless networks that it’s a wonder the WiFi works at all.
In the following technical section, I will explain how it is possible that this all works at all.
Source: pctuning.cz
