WIFI 6

Date: 27/12/2021

Wi-Fi 6 & Wi-Fi 6E Spectrum Evolution

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) represents the next-generation standard, providing superior speed and stability. Wi-Fi 6E extends this technology into the 6GHz band, creating a massive 2.2GHz contiguous spectrum.

📶 2.4 GHz Band

2.4 – 2.5 GHz
Bandwidth: 100 MHz

📶 5.8 GHz Band

4.9 – 5.875 GHz
Bandwidth: 1000 MHz

🚀 Wi-Fi 6E Band

5.9 – 7.125 GHz
Bandwidth: 1225 MHz

[Image of Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 6E frequency spectrum chart including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands]

Antenna Design Challenges (4.9 – 7.125 GHz)

Expanding from the traditional 5.8GHz band to 7.125GHz requires a bandwidth coverage of 2.2GHz. This poses two primary design strategies:

Dual-Frequency Design: Increased volume and unit price; more consistent gain across frequencies.
Single Wideband Design: Maintains original volume and price, but suffers from significant gain gaps at frequency edges.

💡 Distance Impact: A 3dBi loss reduces transmission distance by 50%. A 6dBi loss leaves only 25% of the range. For a 20dBi antenna (23dBm) designed for 3km, edge frequencies might only reach 750m to 1.5km.