How Do I Know If My Router Is WiFi 6?

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Technology advances every single day and the internet is not left behind. Often there are advancements done that improve internet connectivity and performance for your network. WiFi 6 is the new kid on the block offering better internet speeds and a smoother internet experience. So, how do you know if your router is WiFi 6?

Lets dive in to the new wave of WiFi 6 and get you tools to help you know if your router is WiFi 6 and explore the benefits it brings to your home or office network.

What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 is the latest evolution in wireless technology, quickly replacing the previous WiFi 5 standard. This advanced generation brings a range of improvements that enhance wireless connectivity in your home, providing you with faster internet speeds and increasing the efficiency of your network.
One feature of WiFi 6 that makes it a great addition to your network is it has high data transfer speeds. Therefore, you get a seamless experience for bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming high-definition videos and online gaming. In addition, your data will be secure since WiFi 6 uses WPA3 as the standard protocol, reducing potential security threats.
WiFi 6 also deals with connection challenges in places with a large number of users by efficiently managing numerous connected devices. If you live in a crowded area, the technology will enable multiple devices to share the same channel more effectively without slowing down the internet speed. Additionally, WiFi 6 extends the reach and coverage of your WiFi, ensuring a more reliable connection across larger areas.
Target Wake Time (TWT) is another feature of WiFi 6. It allows your devices to schedule when and how often they wake up to communicate with the router. This feature enhances energy efficiency, particularly in scenarios involving Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

How Do You Know Your Router is WiFi 6?

For you to access the great features of WiFi 6, first, you need to check if your router is WiFi 6-enabled. Here’s how you can identify if your router supports WiFi 6:

Check the router label

Look for labels, stickers, or markings on your router. Manufacturers often include information about the wireless standard on the router itself. Check for any mention of “WiFi 6.”

Examine the router model

Check the model number of your router. Many manufacturers include the WiFi standard in the model name or number. If it includes “AX” or mentions “802.11ax,” it signifies WiFi 6 compatibility.

Check the router’s settings:

Access your router’s settings through a web browser. You can do this by entering the router’s IP address in the address bar. Refer to your router’s manual for the specific IP address and login credentials.

Once logged in, navigate to the wireless settings section. Look for terms like “802.11ax” or “WiFi 6” in the specifications. Some routers may have mentioned the supported WiFi standard.

Visit the manufacturer’s website

Log into the manufacturer’s official website for your router model. The product page or specifications section should provide details about the supported WiFi standards, confirming whether your router is WiFi 6-compatible.

Use a third-party app or tool

You can use network analyzer apps or tools to examine the wireless networks around you. These tools may provide information about the WiFi standard your router is using. However, this method may not be as accurate as checking the router directly.

Check device manager (Windows)

On a Windows PC, you can check the properties of your wireless network adapter through the Device Manager. Look for the “Advanced” tab, where you may find information about the supported WiFi standard.

How to Enable WiFi 6

Now that you know whether your router is WiFi 6, you can enable WiFi 6 on your network, ensuring you configure your router settings to utilize the WiFi 6 standard. Here are the steps to enable WiFi 6:

1. Open a web browser on a device connected to your router and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. You can find the router’s IP address in the router’s manual or on a sticker at the back of your router.
2.  Enter the admin username and password to access the router’s interface. If you haven’t changed these credentials, you can find the default login information in the router’s manual or the router itself.
3.  Once logged in, navigate to the wireless settings section. Look for a label with “Wireless,” “WiFi,” or a similar term.
4.  Look for an option related to the WiFi standard or mode. It might have the label “Wireless Mode,” “Standard,” or “WiFi Mode.” Choose the option that corresponds to WiFi 6 (802.11ax).
5.  After selecting WiFi 6 mode, apply the changes by clicking the “Save” or “Apply” button.
6.  Some routers may require a reboot for the changes to take effect. Check if there’s an option to reboot the router in the wireless settings or administration section.

What Are the Pros of Having a WiFi 6 Router?

When your router has WiFi 6, your online experience gets an upgrade that makes it flawless. First, WiFi 6 delivers faster data transfer speeds. Therefore, you won’t face any more buffering when streaming your favorite show online. Plus, you have a guarantee of a smooth experience while gaming online or downloading large files.

A WiFi 6 router also improves your network efficiency if you have a lot of devices using the internet in your home. WiFi 6 can handle more devices simultaneously and efficiently. 

Additionally, a WiFi 6 router extends the range and coverage of your WiFi signal. This ensures a more reliable connection over larger areas. 

Another advantage you get with WiFi 6 is better security for your data. WiFi 6 routers support the latest security protocol, offering better encryption and protection against security threats.

Having a WiFi 6 router can also improve performance for multiple devices. With the introduction of OFDMA, WiFi 6 can efficiently manage and communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. 

Lastly, WiFi 6 is better at handling peak data rates. WiFi 6 handles peak data rates more effectively, providing a smoother and more consistent performance even at peak hours.

Conclusion

When you have a WiFi 6-enabled router, you have a powerful companion on your internet connection team. You get the fastest and most reliable internet connection. Follow the guidelines in this article to ensure that your router not only supports WiFi 6 but also exploits its full potential, enhancing the wireless experience in your home. Enjoy the advantages of a seamless and uninterrupted internet connection.