The evolution of the spectrum and various applications in Wifi standards
- 6 GHz WiFi refers to the newest frequency band added to WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 standards, operating from 5.925-7.125 GHz
- Provides 1200 MHz of additional unlicensed spectrum - more than 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands combined
- Uses Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) to avoid interference with incumbent users (satellite uplinks, fixed wireless services)
- Requires WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 capable devices - not backward compatible with older WiFi standards
Key Advantages
- Reduced Congestion: Brand new spectrum means fewer competing devices compared to crowded 2.4/5 GHz bands
- Higher Throughput: More available channels allow for wider channel bonding (160 MHz, 320 MHz in WiFi 7)
- Lower Latency: Less interference and congestion result in more predictable performance
- Indoor Focus: Higher frequency means shorter range but better suited for high-density indoor environments
Channel Allocation
| Band |
Frequency Range |
Available Channels |
Channel Width Options |
| 6 GHz |
5.925-7.125 GHz |
59 channels (20 MHz) |
20, 40, 80, 160, 320 MHz |
| 5 GHz |
5.150-5.825 GHz |
25 channels (20 MHz) |
20, 40, 80, 160 MHz |
| 2.4 GHz |
2.400-2.483 GHz |
3 non-overlapping |
20, 40 MHz |
Power and Range Considerations
- Lower power limits compared to 5 GHz band to protect incumbent services
- Standard Power mode: Requires AFC coordination with database for outdoor/higher power use
- Low Power Indoor mode: Simplified deployment for indoor-only applications
- Range Trade-off: Higher frequency = shorter range but less wall penetration interference
Vocabulary
- AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination): Database system that coordinates 6 GHz usage to prevent interference with existing services
- WiFi 6E: Extension of WiFi 6 that adds 6 GHz band support
- Incumbent Services: Existing licensed users of 6 GHz spectrum (satellite, microwave links)
- UNII-5 through UNII-8: The four Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure bands within 6 GHz
Notes
- 6 GHz requires new hardware - cannot be added via firmware update to existing devices
- Best suited for high-density environments like offices, stadiums, and apartments where 2.4/5 GHz are saturated
- Consider tri-band deployment strategy: 2.4 GHz for IoT, 5 GHz for legacy devices, 6 GHz for newest high-performance clients
- AFC coordination may add complexity to enterprise deployments but enables higher power outdoor use
- Security enhancement: 6 GHz requires WPA3 - no legacy open or WPA2-only networks allowed
- Range planning critical - expect 20-30% less coverage compared to equivalent 5 GHz deployment