The 6GHz band is now available in Australia, and it's changing the game for enterprise wireless networks. But should you rush to upgrade? Let's break down what WiFi 6E actually means for your business.
What is WiFi 6E?
WiFi 6E extends WiFi 6 (802.11ax) into the 6GHz frequency band. While WiFi 6 operates on the congested 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, WiFi 6E adds access to the 6GHz spectrum—giving you more channels, less interference, and faster speeds.
Think of it like adding new lanes to a highway. The old lanes are still there, but now you have fresh, uncongested lanes for your traffic.
Key Insight: WiFi 6E offers up to seven 160MHz channels in Australia—a significant improvement over the limited number of wide channels available in 5GHz.
The Key Benefits
More Channels, Less Congestion
The 6GHz band offers up to seven 160MHz channels in Australia. That's a significant improvement over the limited number of wide channels available in 5GHz. For high-density environments like offices, conference centers, or warehouses, this means better performance for everyone.
No Legacy Device Interference
Only WiFi 6E devices can use the 6GHz band. That means no old phones, tablets, or laptops competing for bandwidth. It's a clean slate.
Lower Latency
With less congestion and better channel utilization, WiFi 6E can deliver lower latency—important for video conferencing, VoIP, and real-time applications.
Should You Upgrade Now?
Here's our honest take: it depends on your situation.
Consider upgrading if:
- • You're planning a network refresh anyway
- • You have high-density environments
- • Current WiFi is causing productivity issues
- • Deploying new WiFi 6E capable devices
You can wait if:
- • Current WiFi 6 or 5 is working fine
- • Most devices don't support WiFi 6E yet
- • Recently completed a wireless upgrade
- • Budget constraints are significant
What About Device Support?
This is the catch. While WiFi 6E access points are readily available, many business devices are still catching up. Most new laptops and phones now support WiFi 6E, but your existing fleet probably doesn't.
That said, WiFi 6E access points are backward compatible. They'll serve your existing devices on 2.4GHz and 5GHz while providing the 6GHz band for newer hardware.
Implementation Considerations
If you're moving forward with WiFi 6E, keep these critical points in mind:
- Site surveys matter more than ever. 6GHz has different propagation characteristics than 5GHz. Professional RF planning is essential.
- You may need more access points. 6GHz doesn't penetrate walls as well as lower frequencies, requiring denser AP placement.
- Network infrastructure capacity. WiFi 6E can push significantly more data—ensure your switches, cabling, and internet connection can handle the increased throughput.
- Power requirements. Some WiFi 6E access points require more power—verify your PoE switches support the necessary power budget.
- Device compatibility planning. Create a migration strategy for gradually introducing WiFi 6E capable devices while maintaining support for legacy equipment.
The Bottom Line
WiFi 6E is a genuine improvement, not just marketing hype. For Australian businesses dealing with congested wireless environments or planning for future growth, it's worth serious consideration.
But don't feel pressured to upgrade immediately. Assess your current situation, understand your device ecosystem, and make a decision that aligns with your technology roadmap.