Choosing a router today is becoming a complex technical task, especially when models with different markings are located on store shelves AC And AXUsers are often confused by the numbers and abbreviations, unsure whether it's worth paying extra for the latest technology or saving on proven solutions. The situation is exacerbated by manufacturers actively promoting new standards, promising incredible speeds.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the technical differences between the two generations of wireless networks so you can make an informed decision. You'll learn why good old Wi-Fi 5 is still relevant for many use cases, and in what cases without Wi-Fi 6 It's no longer possible to avoid it. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Let's examine data transmission architecture, the impact of the number of connected devices on signal stability, and actual speeds in a typical city apartment. It's important to consider not only the specifications listed on the box but also the capabilities of your end devices.
Evolution of standards: from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6
Standard 802.11ac, known to the general public as Wi-Fi 5, was revolutionary at the time, offering operation exclusively in the 5 GHz band and supporting wide channels. This allowed for a significant increase in throughput compared to previous generations. However, over time, the density of devices in homes increased so much that this standard's capabilities became insufficient.
He was replaced by 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6, which focuses not so much on the peak speed of a single device, but on the efficiency of the network as a whole. The new technology has introduced a mechanism OFDMA, which allows the channel to be divided into smaller subchannels for simultaneous data transmission to different clients. This is critical for smart homes.
Expert's Notebook:
⚠️ Note: Some older devices may not support new encryption protocols or frequency bands, which will result in them being disconnected from the AX router network without proper compatibility settings.
A key difference is also the support of modulation 1024-QAM The new standard allows for more data to be encoded in a single radio signal. This provides a speed increase of approximately 25% under ideal reception conditions. However, in noisy environments, the benefit may be less noticeable.
Technical details of modulation
The AC standard uses 256-QAM, encoding 8 data bits per symbol. AX uses 1024-QAM, encoding 10 bits. This small change requires a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for stable operation, so in apartments with thick walls, the speed increase may be minimal.
Technological Difference: OFDMA vs. MU-MIMO
One of the main arguments in favor of switching to AX is an advanced multiple access technology. If in the standard AC Wave 2 was used MU-MIMO While it's only for downstream (from the router to the device), the new standard supports it in both directions. This allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, rather than having to switch between them at breakneck speed.
Technology OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) works as an efficient logistician, distributing small data packets (such as messages in instant messengers or smart light bulb commands) across available channel resources. While Wi-Fi 5 forced to send each small packet separately, taking up the entire channel, Wi-Fi 6 packs them together, reducing latency.
Let's consider the main advantages of the new architecture:
- 🚀 Reduced latency in games and video calls, even when the network is heavily loaded by other users.
- 📡 More efficient use of spectrum in apartment buildings where the airwaves are overcrowded with neighboring networks.
- 🔋 Increase the battery life of your mobile devices with the Target Wake Time (TWT) feature.
However, to realize all the benefits MU-MIMO And OFDMA Client devices (smartphones, laptops) must also support these standards. If your phone is several years old, it will operate in compatibility mode and not benefit from all the benefits of the new technology.
Comparison of speed indicators and ranges
When choosing a router, users often look at the maximum speed indicated on the packaging. Models of the class AC1200 or AC1750 They offer quite decent performance for most tasks, such as 4K video streaming or online gaming. However, their theoretical performance is lower than that of modern counterparts.
Standard devices AX capable of achieving speeds exceeding 9 Gbps in top-end configurations, although in the mass segment we are talking about 1.5–3 Gbps. More importantly, Wi-Fi 6 It can manage channel width more efficiently, dynamically expanding it to 160 MHz where the RF environment allows it.
For clarity, let's compare the key characteristics:
| Characteristic | Wi-Fi 5 (AC) | Wi-Fi 6 (AX) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | up to 3.5 Gbps | up to 9.6 Gbps |
| Modulation | 256-QAM | 1024-QAM |
| Works with multiple devices | MU-MIMO (Downlink only) | OFDMA + MU-MIMO (Uplink/Downlink) |
| Customer energy consumption | Standard | Reduced (TWT) |
It's worth noting that actual speed always depends on your provider's plan and the quality of your cable infrastructure. If your provider offers 100 Mbps internet access, the difference in file download speed between AC and AX routers will be virtually imperceptible.
The Impact of the Number of Devices on Network Stability
A modern apartment resembles a small office: smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, speakers, security cameras, and household appliances all require a constant connection. Standard AC It starts to "choke" already at 15-20 active devices, increasing the ping and causing connection breaks.
AX Routers are designed specifically for these high-density environments. Thanks to improved resource planning, they can handle dozens of devices simultaneously without sacrificing network responsiveness. This is especially relevant for families where parents work from home, children play online games, and a smart home streams video from cameras.
Expert's Notebook:
⚠️ Note: Even the most powerful router won't help if your devices are too far away or the signal is blocked by load-bearing walls. For larger apartments, it's best to consider mesh systems.
If you plan to expand your smart home by adding new sensors and gadgets, the performance reserve in the form of Wi-Fi 6 It will be a wise investment. This will ensure the stability of the automation system for years to come.
Equipment compatibility and feedback
Compatibility remains the most important issue. Wi-Fi standards are fully backward compatible, meaning you can easily connect your old laptop to Wi-Fi 4 to a modern router AXThe device will operate at its maximum possible speed without disturbing others.
However, to benefit from the new standard, client equipment must also support 802.11axMost smartphones and laptops released after 2020 are already equipped with the appropriate modules. You can check this in the device's specifications or through the device manager in the operating system.
There is also an intermediate standard Wi-Fi 6E, which adds the 6 GHz band. This is a completely free "highway" for your data, but specialized devices are required to use it. Regular AX Routers operate in traditional 2.4 and 5 GHz.
When upgrading your network, keep in mind that the transition period can last several years. Some devices will operate at high speeds, while others will remain in legacy mode. A good router should intelligently balance the load between them.
☑️ Check your readiness for the transition to AX
What to choose: saving or investing in the future?
The decision to purchase depends on your budget and current needs. If you live alone or with a roommate, use the internet primarily for browsing and social media, and your data plan doesn't exceed 300-500 Mbps, then a high-quality router is a good choice. AC class will be an excellent and economical choice. You simply won't notice the difference in speed.
If you have a large family, have gaming ambitions, work with large files in the cloud, or have a tariff higher than 500 Mbps, purchase AX The model is completely justified. You're paying for stability, low ping, and the network's ability to handle high loads without crashing.
Expert's Notebook:
⚠️ Important: When purchasing a router, be sure to check for gigabit WAN/LAN ports. Models with 100 Mbps ports will bottleneck any Wi-Fi standard, even the fastest.
In the long term Wi-Fi 6 is becoming the new base standard, and prices are falling rapidly. Purchasing older AC equipment only makes sense on a very limited budget or for specific applications that don't require high throughput.
Do I need Wi-Fi 6 if I have a 100 Mbps plan?
With this plan, you won't notice any increase in internet speed. However, the AX router can handle multiple connected devices better and provide a more stable signal in noisy environments, improving the overall network experience.
Will Wi-Fi 6 work on iPhone 11 and newer?
Yes, starting with the iPhone 11, Apple introduced support for the 802.11ax standard. Older models will operate in Wi-Fi 5 (AC) mode, maintaining full compatibility.
Can I use my AX router as an access point for my old network?
Yes, most modern routers support access point mode. You can connect it to your existing modem via a cable and use it as a powerful transmitter for the new standard, expanding your coverage and functionality.