WiFi 6E

Philip Evans discusses the new WiFi 6e application

Philip Evans, Business Line Manager, Telecoms Group. Philip has been working with TUV SUD for over 20 years serving the telecoms and wireless industries. We asked him some questions about the new WIFI 6E application.

What is WiFi 6E?

WIFI 6E is an extension of the WIFI 6 technology which is based on HTTP 211 AX. This extension has moved into the 6G frequency band and this extension covers 1.2 gigahertz of frequency ranging from 5.9 gigahertz all the way up to 7.1 gigahertz, and is actually the biggest extension of unlicensed frequency for well over 20 years.

How does WiFi 6E affect me?

WIFI 6E now allows the user to use 1480 megahertz bands or seven 160 megahertz bands. Simply put that additions more than doubles the capacity of the older 2.4 and 5G frequency bands used by WIFI 6. This also helps with the congestion within the 6G band and also in the real world will allow gigabits per second data rates for the end user and with the addition of 8 by 8 MIMO allows for better range and indoor performance.

When can I expect to see WiFi 6E devices?

The United States has opened up this frequency already for the WIFI 6E technology; Broadcom and Qualcomm has released modules for manufacturers to integrate. We have wireless reports coming onto  the market now, with consumer products expected late 2021 or early 2022.

How can I tell if the product I am buying supports WiFi 6E?

Simple answer to that is look for a WIFI 6E logo.  The routers and consumer products you are now seeing on the market will have WIFI 6, and these are supporting the older 2.4 and 5G bands. If you look for the WIFI 6E that will now be supporting the new 6G band as well.

What’s the catch? Is it too good to be true?

WIFI 6E is a rather large band and has been implemented around the world differently. For example, the United States has implemented the full 1.2 gigahertz band all the way from 5.9 up to 7.1 gigs. With Europe only implementing 5.9 up to 6.4 gigahertz; we're starting to see deviations of this in the UK Saudi Arabia and other countries are not following the major markets and are coming up with their own regulatory requirements.

What should we be aware of as we transition to WiFi 6E?

With the addition of WIFI 6E, manufacturers have to cover the 6G band when tested. TUV SUD is now upgrading our spectrum platform to include 2.4, 5 and the new 6G frequency band. This automated system will now save the customer time and money when taking their product to market.

To Learn more about Wi-Fi 6E visit the following pages here:

Philip Evans Video Interview

Wi-Fi 6E Testing & Compliance