Phones, tablets, watches, computers, game consoles, televisions, speakers… the list of devices in the home that connect to the Internet continues to grow, and most of them access the Internet wirelessly, using Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi technology, like the rest of the industry, is constantly evolving. It doesn’t have the same characteristics and speeds as when it was introduced in the late 90s. Instead, it has been adapting to advances and user needs. While Wi-Fi 7 is already being tested, its official arrival is still some distance away (expected in May 2024). The latest version that the majority of the population can access is Wi-Fi 6E. It’s so recent that not many devices are compatible, but some Apple devices do integrate it. Below, we’ll explain what Wi-Fi 6E is and how it can be used on Apple products.
What is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E is an evolution of Wi-Fi 6, which was approved in 2019 and was only introduced in 2020. The main feature of Wi-Fi 6 is that it uses both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to provide the best coverage using one band (2.4 GHz) and the highest speed using the other (5 GHz). There is also an increase in speed, although it is slight. However, what is important is that it aims to quadruple the average performance of connections for each user, which is particularly important in areas with high population density.
The main change in Wi-Fi 6E is that it adds an additional 1.2 GHz to the available spectrum, allowing it to reach up to 7.125 GHz and covering the entire 6 GHz spectrum. This is why Wi-Fi 6E is also called 6 GHz Wi-Fi. It gains 14 additional channels of 80 MHz or 7 channels of 160 MHz, depending on how the router connection is managed. Previously, only two channels of 160 MHz could be configured, so this change, which is very important, helps to minimize congestion while ensuring that the connection is not affected in performance when connecting multiple devices. While a theoretical increase of 30% in peak speed can be achieved, the downside of Wi-Fi 6E is that its penetration capacity is lower, and walls can hinder the connection, causing signal degradation as the user moves further away from the router.
Apple devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6E
While almost all devices currently on the market are compatible with Wi-Fi 6, not all manufacturers equip them with Wi-Fi 6E. Apple is no exception. It is only a matter of time before the company takes the step as it updates all its computers, smartphones, and tablets. But for now, these are the Apple devices that take advantage of the 6 GHz frequency:
Apple has a support page that lists the compatible models and provides some tips to avoid problems. The Wi-Fi router providing the network should use the same name for all its wireless bands (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz). If the router does not use the same name for all bands, the device identifies that the network has limited compatibility and prompts the user to connect to the 5 GHz network for a better experience when it detects the corresponding network name. If for any reason you want to disable Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, Apple provides the option in the system settings for Mac and iPad:
– On Mac: Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Wi-Fi -> click Details next to the name of the connected Wi-Fi 6E network -> select Disable in the popup menu next to Wi-Fi 6E Mode.
– On iPad: Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Select the name of the connected Wi-Fi 6E network -> Tap Wi-Fi 6E Mode and disable it.
Wi-Fi routers
In addition to having a device that supports Wi-Fi 6E, it is also necessary to have a router compatible with 6 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Historically, the models provided by Internet service providers were basic in terms of features and performance, with limited range, especially in larger homes with many walls or a complicated layout. However, this has changed, and companies have stepped up their game. Some, like Orange with its LiveBox Infinity, have gone all out. Even the MásMóvil group is testing a model that will be available to customers of all the brand’s operators. If you are a customer of one of these providers, congratulations, it’s just a matter of waiting. However, if you want to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E right now, or if you have a local or regional operator whose equipment is somewhat technologically behind, the solution is to buy a Wi-Fi 6E router. There are already several options on the market (although they are more expensive than Wi-Fi 6 routers).
Best Wi-Fi 6E routers to buy
1. Tenda AX5700: This is the most affordable option on the list. This Tenda router (€139.99) offers speeds of up to 5,665 Mbps for streaming in high-resolution 8K, virtual reality gaming, and fast downloads. It features five 6 dBi antennas and seven high-power FEMs to extend Wi-Fi coverage. It also has a diagnostic function that automatically monitors and corrects any network issues with just one click.
2. Google Nest WiFi Pro: Google’s solution, the Google Nest WiFi Pro (€219 for one unit, €279 for two units), is designed to make the most of Wi-Fi 6E. Its tri-band design (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provides good speed and reliable connection. A single node can provide coverage for up to 120 square meters. The Nest WiFi Pro optimizes performance and network activity, prioritizes video calls, and helps load websites quickly. It is also designed to be the central hub for Matter.
3. ASUS RT-AXE7800: This router (€299) is designed for gamers. It provides stable connections and speeds of up to 7800 Mbps. It has six antennas to ensure wireless signal coverage reaches all areas of the house and is equipped with a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, as well as additional connections. The router is easily managed with the ASUS Router mobile app, providing access to VPN settings, parental controls, visualized connection diagnostics, and more. It is compatible with AiMesh and SMB.
4. Amazon eero Pro 6E: Amazon also has its own router compatible with Wi-Fi 6E, the eero Pro 6E (starting at €289.99 depending on the number of units purchased, as it supports mesh networking). With coverage ranging from 190 m² (single router) to 560 m² (three routers), the eero Pro 6E achieves speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps (gigabit wired connection and up to 1.6 Gbps wireless). It can connect over 100 devices at once…
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