WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest version of WiFi technology, designed to handle the increasing need for faster and more reliable internet. Compared to the previous generation, WiFi 5 (802.11ac), WiFi 6 offers better speed and efficiency, making it easier to connect multiple devices without slowing everything down – perfect for today’s homes and offices.

In our everyday lives, where remote work, online streaming, and smart devices are part of the routine, older WiFi networks can struggle to keep up. You might notice lag during video calls, buffering while watching movies, or even dropped connections. WiFi 6 solves these problems by making your network work smarter. It ensures smoother streaming, faster gaming, and uninterrupted browsing, even if your home has dozens of devices connected at the same time.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes WiFi 6 different, how it can improve your internet experience, and why it’s worth upgrading now for faster, more reliable, and stress-free connectivity.

Understanding WiFi 6

What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 is the sixth generation of WiFi technology, specifically designed to meet the needs of modern households and businesses where multiple devices connect to the internet at the same time. It offers faster speeds, reduced latency (or lag), and greater bandwidth, making it perfect for smart homes and offices with high data demands.

In Singapore, WiFi 6 was first introduced around 2019, coinciding with the growing adoption of smart devices and the shift towards remote working. Since then, it has steadily become the standard for homes and businesses, especially in high-density areas like HDB estates and office buildings where overlapping networks and interference can affect older WiFi versions.

WiFi 6’s advanced features ensure smoother streaming, lag-free gaming, and reliable connections, even in environments with dozens of connected devices. For users in Singapore, this means a significant improvement in internet performance, especially in overcoming common challenges such as thick concrete walls in high-rise buildings and interference from neighbouring networks.

Additionally, WiFi 6 is known to have a much larger connection range than WiFi 5, and it’s also more energy-saving.

WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6: What’s the Difference?

Feature	WiFi 5	WiFi 6
Bandwidth & Download Speeds	Bandwidth caps at 80MHz, with a download speed of 6.9Gbps	Bandwidth at 160MHz, with a download speed of 9.6Gbps
Security	WPA2 – WiFi requires a password	WPA3 – passwords plus additional encryption
Latency	30ms latency	20ms latency – less lag while you’re using the internet
Connections	Can handle 4 devices at once	Can handle 8 or more devices simultaneously.

How Does WiFi 6 Improve Your Internet Experience at Home?

Compared to WiFi 5, which struggles in crowded networks, WiFi 6 is designed to handle multiple devices more efficiently, reducing slowdowns and improving overall stability. If you’ve ever experienced buffering during a movie, lag in online games, or dropped video calls because someone else in the house is using the internet, WiFi 6 helps eliminate these frustrations.

With its improved capacity and lower latency, WiFi 6 ensures smooth performance even when the entire household is online. Unlike WiFi 5, which can become congested when too many devices connect at once, WiFi 6 allows for seamless streaming, gaming, and video conferencing, all without interference or slowdowns.

In smart homes, WiFi 6 also offers a significant advantage. While WiFi 5 networks may struggle with multiple smart devices running simultaneously, WiFi 6 efficiently manages them, preventing connectivity drops in security cameras, smart lights, and voice assistants.

Another key improvement over WiFi 5 is power efficiency. Devices connected to a WiFi 6 network consume less energy, meaning smartphones, tablets, and smart home gadgets can maintain stable connections without draining their batteries as quickly.

Ultimately, upgrading to WiFi 6 means fewer disruptions, faster performance, and a network that keeps up with modern digital demands – making it a clear upgrade over WiFi 5 for households looking for reliability and efficiency.

Introducing WiFi 6E: The Next Evolution in Wireless Connectivity

What is WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E is an extension of WiFi 6 that introduces a new 6 GHz frequency band, which significantly enhances your internet experience by adding more “space” for devices to communicate.

Why is this important? Traditional WiFi uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. These bands are crowded because they’re shared by many devices, from smartphones and laptops to older appliances like baby monitors and wireless doorbells. This crowding can lead to signal interference, slower speeds, and connection problems, especially in busy environments like apartments or offices. The 6 GHz band changes the game by providing a lot more “lanes” for internet traffic to flow. 

Less Congestion, More Stability

WiFi 6E’s 6 GHz band has significantly more channels, reducing interference from neighbouring networks, especially in densely populated areas.

• WiFi 6E Advantage: Ideal for HDB flats, condominiums, and high-rise buildings where overlapping WiFi signals often cause slow speeds.
• Example: With WiFi 6E, your video call won’t freeze when your neighbor starts streaming, ensuring a stable connection for work or study.

Three Dedicated Bands for Smoother Performance

With 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the new 6 GHz band, WiFi 6E routers handle multiple tasks efficiently, preventing slowdowns.

• WiFi 6E Advantage: The 6 GHz band is free from legacy device interference, ensuring faster speeds for modern applications.
• Example: A household can simultaneously have a work call, a VR gaming session, and security cameras streaming live footage—without lag or buffering.

Lower Latency for Real-Time Applications

The new 6 GHz band dramatically reduces delays, improving responsiveness in time-sensitive activities.

• WiFi 6E Advantage: Better gaming, VR, AR, and cloud computing experiences with near-instantaneous responses.
• Example: Gamers using WiFi 6E experience ultra-low latency, meaning no missed shots or frustrating lag in fast-paced online matches.

Stronger Support for Smart Homes

WiFi 6E manages multiple smart home devices more efficiently, preventing them from slowing down main internet activities.

• WiFi 6E Advantage: Smart devices operate on separate channels, ensuring laptops, phones, and work applications remain unaffected.
• Example: Security cameras, voice assistants, and smart lights run in the background while your Zoom call stays smooth and uninterrupted.

Future-Proofing for Emerging Technologies

WiFi 6E supports next-gen innovations, from AI-driven devices to immersive virtual meetings.

• WiFi 6E Advantage: Ready for high-bandwidth applications that will become mainstream in the next few years.
• Example: As holographic meetings and 8K video streaming become more common, WiFi 6E ensures your home network remains ahead of the curve.

WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 6E: What’s the Difference?

Feature	WiFi 6	WiFi 6E
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (less crowded)
Network Congestion	Can still experience interference in dense areas	Less interference due to exclusive 6 GHz band
Speed & Performance	High-speed connections	Faster speeds with wider channels (160 MHz)
Latency	Low Latency	Ultra-low latency for gaming & VR
Smart Home Support	Efficient, but devices share channels with main internet activities	Dedicated space for smart devices, ensuring smoother performance
Future-Readiness	Supports most current applications	Optimised for next-gen tech (holograms, AI-driven devices, 8K streaming)

The Benefits of WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E

1. Faster Speeds and Reliable Connectivity

Both WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E deliver data transfer rates at up to 9.6Gbps – that’s much faster than WiFi 5 which clocks out at 6.9Gbps. This means smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and lag-free gaming, making them ideal for homes and offices that require consistent, high-speed connectivity.

Tip: If you frequently experience buffering while streaming movies or delays during online gaming, upgrading to WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E can dramatically enhance your experience.

2. Improved Performance for Multiple Devices

With the ability to support up to four times more devices than WiFi 5, WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are designed for smart homes and offices filled with connected gadgets. With WiFi 6, you can rest assured that your smart devices will work smoothly without slowing down other activities.

Example: In a smart home with IoT devices such as security cameras, thermostats, and lights, WiFi 6 allows these gadgets to work in harmony without causing noticeable slowdowns to your main internet activities.

3. Longer Battery Life

WiFi 6 introduces a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT), which helps devices conserve battery power. By scheduling communication more efficiently, TWT allows devices to “sleep” when not actively transmitting data, leading to extended battery life for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Tip: This feature is especially useful for homes with multiple devices, as it conserves energy on battery-operated gadgets, reducing the need for frequent recharges, and thus saving electricity usage in the long run.

4. Enhanced Security Features

WiFi 6 incorporates WPA3, the latest security protocol, offering stronger protection against cyber threats. WPA3 makes it harder for hackers to access your network by improving encryption and blocking brute-force attacks.

Tip: Security is especially important for businesses or homes with sensitive data. If you work remotely or store confidential information, WPA3’s advanced security provides peace of mind.

How to Upgrade to WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E

Steps to Upgrade

1. Get a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E Router through a local internet service provider or a major retailer in Singapore. To take full advantage of WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E, you’ll need a compatible router. Many manufacturers now offer WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E models to suit a range of budgets and coverage needs.
2. Check Device Compatibility. Although older devices can still connect to a WiFi 6 network, upgrading to WiFi 6-compatible devices ensures that you benefit from the new technology. Most new smartphones, tablets, and laptops are WiFi 6-ready, allowing them to take full advantage of faster speeds and improved efficiency.

Tip: Before purchasing, check the router specifications to ensure compatibility with both your current and future devices.

Compatibility Considerations

WiFi 6 routers are backward-compatible, meaning older devices will still work, but they won’t access the advanced features of WiFi 6. Over time, consider upgrading your devices to fully benefit from WiFi 6 technology.

Why Now is the Best Time to Upgrade

Meeting the Demand for Better Connectivity

Today’s homes are more connected than ever, with smart devices becoming a staple in modern life. WiFi 6 addresses these demands, providing faster and more stable connections that handle multiple devices simultaneously without slowing down. This means smoother streaming experiences, lag-free gaming, and crystal clear video calls when you’re working at home too.

Future-Proofing Your Network

Upgrading to WiFi 6 now ensures that your network can handle future technology trends and increasing data demands, providing a robust and future-proof setup. As streaming, gaming, and smart technology continue to evolve, WiFi 6 provides the bandwidth and reliability to support your household’s growing needs.

What’s Next: WiFi 7 and Beyond

WiFi 7 is the next step in wireless technology, promising even faster speeds of up to 46 Gbps, lower lag, and the ability to handle more devices at once. This makes it perfect for future technologies like 8K video streaming, immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences, and fully connected smart homes.

While WiFi 7 is still on the horizon, Singapore’s early adoption of cutting-edge technology and Smart Nation initiatives position the country to be among the first to benefit from this advancement.

For now, WiFi 6 already offers significant improvements over WiFi 5, including faster speeds, better efficiency, stronger security, and the ability to connect more devices without slowing down. It’s an excellent choice for modern homes, meeting today’s demands while preparing your network for the future.

Upgrade to WiFi 6 Today

WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E bring significant improvements to modern connectivity, including faster speeds for smooth 4K streaming, better support for multiple devices in busy households, and enhanced security to keep your network safe. With WiFi 6, you’ll experience reduced lag during video calls or gaming, while WiFi 6E takes it further with access to the 6 GHz band, offering even less interference and higher capacity—perfect for future-proofing your network.

For those looking to upgrade their home or office network, investing in WiFi 6 or 6E ensures you’re ready to handle the demands of smart homes, remote work, and streaming-heavy environments with ease.If you’re exploring fibre broadband options, ViewQwest offers a range of plans featuring WiFi 6 and 6E routers to elevate your internet experience. A faster, more reliable connection is just a step away.