Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7: What’s the Difference?

The introduction of the WiFi 7 network standard invites comparisons among WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 7. Here’s a detailed look at the differences:

1. What is Wi-Fi 5?

WiFi 5, also known as IEEE 802.11ac, is the fifth-generation WiFi standard. It offers enhanced performance over its predecessors and is widely used in modern devices.

2. What is Wi-Fi 7?

WiFi 7, set to be released in 2024, will be the seventh WiFi standard. It promises to deliver incredibly fast wireless connections with a theoretical maximum data output of 46 Gbps.

Comparison Overview

For a clear understanding of the differences between WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 7, refer to the table below:

Specs Wi-Fi 5 Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi7
Standard IEEE 802.11ac IEEE 802.11ax IEEE 802.11be
Launch date 2013 2019 2024
Data rate 3.5 Gbps 9.6 Gbps 46 Gbps
Frequency Bands 5 GHz 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz 1 to 7.25 GHz
Modulation 256-QAM 1024 QAM 1K QAM
MIMO 4×4 MIMO DL MIMO 8×8 UL/DL MU-MIMO 16×16 UL/DL MU-MIMO

Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision about which WiFi standard best suits your needs.

Read also: Does WiFi 6 Penetrate Walls Better? Key Insights