How to Check if Your WiFi is 6 or 6E? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of wireless technology, staying informed about your WiFi standard is crucial for optimizing your internet experience. As we progress from the widely adopted WiFi 5 (802.11ac) to the newer WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and WiFi 6E standards, understanding the differences and knowing how to identify your current setup becomes increasingly important.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of WiFi 6 and 6E, provide step-by-step methods to check your WiFi standard, and offer insights into the future of wireless networking. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking to improve your home network, this article will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your WiFi setup.

Understanding WiFi 6 and 6E

Before we dive into the methods of checking your WiFi standard, let’s establish a solid foundation by exploring WiFi 6 and 6E in detail.

1. What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the sixth generation of WiFi technology. It builds upon its predecessor, WiFi 5 (802.11ac), by introducing several key improvements designed to enhance network efficiency, especially in crowded environments.

Key features and improvements of WiFi 6 include:

1. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA): This technology allows multiple devices to share a single channel simultaneously, improving efficiency and reducing latency.
2. Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO): While present in WiFi 5, MU-MIMO has been expanded in WiFi 6 to support up to 8 simultaneous streams, up from 4 in the previous generation.
3. 1024-QAM modulation: This increases the amount of data that can be transmitted in a single signal, boosting overall throughput.
4. Target Wake Time (TWT): This feature allows devices to schedule communication times with the router, reducing power consumption and improving battery life for mobile devices.
5. BSS Coloring: This technique helps reduce interference in crowded WiFi environments by “coloring” transmissions from different access points.

The benefits of WiFi 6 over previous generations are substantial:

• Higher theoretical speeds: Up to 9.6 Gbps, compared to 3.5 Gbps in WiFi 5.
• Improved performance in crowded areas: Better handling of multiple connected devices.
• Reduced latency: Crucial for gaming and real-time applications.
• Enhanced battery life for connected devices.

2. What is WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E is an extension of WiFi 6 that operates on the newly allocated 6 GHz frequency band. While it shares the same core technologies as WiFi 6, the addition of this new spectrum brings several unique advantages.

Key differences between WiFi 6 and 6E:

Feature	WiFi 6	WiFi 6E
Frequency bands	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
Available channels	Fewer, often congested	Many more, less congested
Channel width	Up to 160 MHz (limited availability)	Up to 160 MHz (widely available)
Interference	More prone to interference	Less interference due to exclusive use

Advantages of the 6 GHz band in WiFi 6E:

1. Less congestion: The 6 GHz band is currently less crowded, leading to cleaner, faster connections.
2. More available channels: This allows for better distribution of devices and less overlap between networks.
3. Wider channels: Supports more 160 MHz channels, enabling higher data rates.
4. Lower latency: Due to less interference and wider channels, latency is further reduced compared to WiFi 6.

How to Check Your WiFi Standard?

Now that we understand the differences between WiFi 6 and 6E, let’s explore various methods to determine which standard your current setup supports.

Method 1: Using Your Device’s Settings

One of the easiest ways to check your WiFi standard is through your device’s settings. The process varies depending on your operating system.

For Windows

1. Press Windows Key + X and select “Device Manager”
2. Expand the “Network adapters” section
3. Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select “Properties”
4. Go to the “Advanced” tab
5. Look for “Wireless Mode” or “802.11 Mode” in the property list

If you see “802.11ax” listed, your adapter supports WiFi 6. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re connected to a WiFi 6 network – your router must also support the standard.

For macOS

1. Hold the Option key and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar
2. Look for the “PHY Mode” entry

If it shows “802.11ax”, your Mac supports WiFi 6. For WiFi 6E, you’ll need to check your specific model’s specifications, as Apple has only recently started incorporating 6E support in some devices.

For iOS

1. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About”
2. Scroll down to “WiFi Address”
3. If you see “ax” in the model name, your device supports WiFi 6

Note that as of early 2024, iOS devices do not yet support WiFi 6E.

For Android

1. Go to “Settings” > “About phone” > “Hardware information”
2. Look for “WiFi” or “WLAN” in the list

If you see “Wi-Fi 6” or “Wi-Fi 6E” listed, your device supports these standards. Keep in mind that the exact path may vary depending on your Android device manufacturer.

Method 2: Checking Router Specifications

If your device supports WiFi 6 or 6E, the next step is to check if your router does as well. Here’s how:

1. Locate your router’s model number (usually printed on the device)
2. Visit the manufacturer’s website
3. Search for your router model
4. Check the specifications or features list

Look for terms like “WiFi 6”, “802.11ax”, or “WiFi 6E”. If you see “Tri-band” with mention of a 6 GHz band, your router supports WiFi 6E.

Method 3: Using Network Analysis Tools

For a more detailed analysis of your WiFi network, you can use specialized software tools. Some popular options include:

• WiFi Analyzer (Android)
• NetSpot (Windows, macOS)
• InSSIDer (Windows)

These tools can provide information about:

• The WiFi standard your network is using
• Channel width
• Signal strength
• Potential interference from other networks

To use these tools effectively:

1. Download and install the software
2. Run a scan of your WiFi environment
3. Look for indicators of WiFi 6 or 6E, such as “ax” in the standard name or the presence of a 6 GHz band

Remember that these tools may require certain permissions to access your device’s WiFi hardware.

Identifying WiFi 6E-Specific Features

If you’ve confirmed that your device and router support WiFi 6E, there are several specific features you can look for to ensure you’re taking full advantage of this technology:

1. 6 GHz band indicator: Your device should show a connection to a 6 GHz network. This band is exclusive to WiFi 6E.
2. Wider channels: WiFi 6E supports more 160 MHz channels. Check your router settings or use a network analyzer to confirm channel width.
3. Lower latency: Run speed tests and compare latency results between 5 GHz and 6 GHz connections. The 6 GHz band should show noticeably lower latency.
4. Less interference: Use a WiFi analyzer tool to visualize the spectrum. The 6 GHz band should show significantly less congestion compared to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Upgrading to WiFi 6 or 6E

If you’ve discovered that your current setup doesn’t support WiFi 6 or 6E, you might be considering an upgrade. Here’s what you need to know:

Hardware Requirements

To fully benefit from WiFi 6 or 6E, you’ll need:

1. A WiFi 6 or 6E compatible router
2. Devices that support the respective standards

Popular WiFi 6 routers include:

• Netgear Nighthawk RAX120
• TP-Link Archer AX6000
• ASUS RT-AX88U

For WiFi 6E, consider:

• Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
• ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
• Linksys Hydra Pro 6E

Considerations Before Upgrading

Before investing in new hardware, consider the following:

1. Cost analysis: WiFi 6E routers and devices are generally more expensive than their WiFi 6 counterparts.
2. Compatibility: Ensure your devices can take advantage of the new standard.
3. Future-proofing: WiFi 6E is the most future-proof option currently available.
4. Use case: If you have many devices or require low latency for gaming or streaming, the upgrade may be more beneficial.

Future of WiFi Technology

As we look beyond WiFi 6 and 6E, the next generation of WiFi technology is already on the horizon.

WiFi 7 (802.11be)

WiFi 7, expected to be finalized in 2024, promises even greater improvements:

• Theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps
• 320 MHz channel width
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for using multiple bands simultaneously
• Improved interference mitigation

While WiFi 7 devices may start appearing in 2024, widespread adoption is likely to take several years.

Writer’s Opinion: Is Upgrading to WiFi 6 or 6E Worth It?

As someone who has closely followed the evolution of WiFi technology and experienced the transition from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6 and 6E, I believe the upgrade is worthwhile for many users, but not all.

For households with numerous connected devices, those who frequently stream 4K content, or serious gamers, the benefits of WiFi 6 and 6E are substantial. The improved handling of multiple devices, lower latency, and higher theoretical speeds can significantly enhance the user experience.

However, for users with only a few devices or those primarily using the internet for basic browsing and email, the benefits may not justify the cost of upgrading, especially to WiFi 6E, which requires new hardware across the board.

My recommendation would be:

1. If you’re still on WiFi 5, upgrading to WiFi 6 is a sensible move, especially if you’re due for a router replacement anyway.
2. If you’ve recently upgraded to WiFi 6, wait before jumping to 6E unless you have a specific need for the 6 GHz band.
3. For new installations or those looking for the most future-proof option, WiFi 6E is the way to go, provided you’re willing to invest in compatible devices.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific needs, budget, and the age of your current equipment.

FAQ

Can I use WiFi 6E devices on a WiFi 6 network?

Yes, WiFi 6E devices are backward compatible and will work on WiFi 6 networks. However, they will operate in WiFi 6 mode and won’t be able to use the 6 GHz band.

Do I need to replace all my devices to benefit from WiFi 6 or 6E?

No, you don’t need to replace all devices. Even older devices will work with a WiFi 6 or 6E router, but only WiFi 6/6E compatible devices will be able to take full advantage of the new features.

How does WiFi 6E affect battery life on mobile devices?

WiFi 6E can potentially improve battery life due to more efficient data transmission and features like Target Wake Time (TWT). However, the actual impact may vary depending on the device and usage patterns.

Is WiFi 6E available worldwide?

While WiFi 6E has been approved in many countries, including the US, UK, and parts of Europe, global availability varies. Some regions are still in the process of allocating the 6 GHz spectrum for WiFi use.

Can WiFi 6E penetrate walls better than previous standards?

Actually, WiFi 6E may have slightly worse wall penetration compared to 5 GHz networks due to the higher frequency of the 6 GHz band. However, this is often offset by less interference and more available bandwidth.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, understanding whether your WiFi is 6 or 6E involves more than just checking a label. It requires an understanding of the technology, its benefits, and how to identify it on your devices and network.

WiFi 6 and 6E represent significant steps forward in wireless networking, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments. While the upgrade may not be necessary for everyone, staying informed about these advancements allows you to make the best decisions for your specific needs.

Remember, technology continues to evolve rapidly. Today’s cutting-edge WiFi 6E will eventually give way to WiFi 7 and beyond. By staying informed and periodically reassessing your networking needs, you can ensure that your home or office always benefits from the latest advancements in wireless technology.

Whether you choose to upgrade now or wait for future developments, the key is to make an informed decision based on your unique requirements and circumstances. With the knowledge gained from this guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the complex world of WiFi standards and make choices that will serve you well into the future of connectivity.