Q) What is Wi-Fi 6?
A) The emerging IEEE Wi-Fi 6 standard is the latest step in a
journey of nonstop innovation. It builds on the strengths of
802.11ac while adding flexibility and scalability that lets new
and existing networks power next-generation applications.
IEEE Wi-Fi 6 couples the freedom and high speed of Gigabit
Ethernet wireless with the reliability and predictability we find in
licensed radio.
Q) What additional features can I expect from Wi-Fi 6?
A) Cisco, along with other vendors, has been working with the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) on
the Wi-Fi 6 standard. When ratified, Wi-Fi 6 will build on
the success of 802.11ac, delivering a better experience in
typical environments and more predictable performance for
advanced applications such as 4K or 8K video; high-density,
high-definition collaboration apps; all-wireless offices; and
the Internet of Things (IoT). Wi-Fi 6 will drive Wi-Fi toward the
future as the growth of wireless continues.
Q) How is Wi-Fi 6 different from 802.11ax?
A) The Wi-Fi Alliance has started a campaign to use the term “Wi-Fi
6” when referring to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, indicating the
sixth generation of Wi-Fi. The goal is to simplify the marketing
message to better position Wi-Fi relative to the Third Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) standards used in cellular
(such as 5G).
Q) Will Wi-Fi 6 be backward compatible with 802.11a,
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac?
A) In Wi-Fi 6, all devices must also support all the mandatory
802.11a, b, g, n, and ac modes of operation. This ensures
that Wi-Fi 6 Access Points (APs) and clients are backward
compatible with legacy APs and clients.
Q) Will Wi-Fi 6 be allowed in all countries and
regulatory domains?
A) All countries and regulatory domains that allow 802.11n and
802.11ac will also allow Wi-Fi 6.
Q) When will Wi-Fi 6 be ratified (when will the standard
be finalized)?
A) The IEEE is currently scheduled to ratify the Wi-Fi 6 amendment in
the last quarter of 2019. The Wi-Fi Alliance has a similar timeline
for a Wi-Fi 6 certification. The latest official estimate for ratification
is always available at the 802 IEEE website in the “RevCom and
Standards Board Final or Continuous Process Approval” column.
Q) Are my current mobile/client devices that use Wi-Fi 6
supported? When will mobile devices support Wi-Fi 6?
A) There aren’t any mobile devices currently on the market that support
Wi-Fi 6. Cisco expects that there will be some clients starting in
early 2019. However, the market will not see large numbers of mobile
devices supporting Wi-Fi 6 until well into the second half of 2019 and
potentially even 2020. Keep in mind that you need an access point
that supports Wi-Fi 6 clients in order to realize the benefits of this
new standard.
References: Cisco Public (2019, April 30) Cisco Catalyst 9100 and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Customer FAQ
Some of my older posts on Wi-Fi:
http://phreshnewmedia.blogspot.com/2018/05/80211ax-wi-fi-is-coming.html
http://phreshnewmedia.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-top-5-mistakes-that-people-make.html
http://phreshnewmedia.blogspot.com/2016/10/walt-jimenez-wi-fi-surveyor.html
http://phreshnewmedia.blogspot.com/2015/11/extending-wi-fi-home-part1.html
http://phreshnewmedia.blogspot.com/2015/12/extending-wi-fi-home-part-2.html
