Better, Faster, Stronger – it’s the sixth version of Wi-Fi. The next generation of Wi-Fi will have more speed than its predecessor and provide better performance in congested areas, from stadiums to your own device-packed home. Wi-Fi 6 comes with new upgraded security systems to protect your online information.

Wi-Fi 6 will have lower latency than the most current version that we use. Intel says reduced latency means shorter or no delay times as data is sent. Everyone wants low latency connections because it improves load times and helps avoid disconnections from your Wi-Fi source.

Wi-Fi 6 will be faster by offering full support for technologies like MU-MIMO (Multiple Users, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) routers. These routers allow for multiple devices to be connected faster and with fewer issues. Most houses have a SU-MIMO (Single-User, Multiple Input, Multiple outputs). This allows for multiple devices connections but is limited to how many antennas the router has according to Tyler Lacoma’s  Digital Trendsarticle.

Wi-Fi 6 bring longer battery life. There’s a term called Target Wake Time (TWT), a new technology that Wi-Fi 6 embraces. Tyler Lacoma says that TWT helps connected devices customize when and how they receive data signals from Wi-Fi. It becomes much easier for devices to sleep waiting for the next necessary Wi-Fi transmission. Chris Hoffman explained in his How-To Geekarticle that this does not mean your device is turned off, just the parts used for Wi-Fi. In turn, this has the potential to save a significant amount of battery life for devices.

Wi-Fi 6 uses Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), a security standard designed for devices with wireless internet connectivity such as mobile devices. Wi-Fi 6 comes with WPA3, the latest version.

One of the most important upgrades that come with WPA3 is better induvial protection on public networks in places such as coffee shops, airports, and malls, or anywhere that allows a connection without a password. Wi-Fi Alliancewebsite explains that if a user is connected to an open or public network, WAP3 will encrypt the connection, leaving no room for anyone to gain access to the data being transmitted between the devices.

With better protection comes the need to help make the passwords stronger. WAP3 helps a user choose a password or passphrase that meets the minimum requirement. The system will automatically protect the connection and the passwords of the user.

Nothing is more frustrating than working on homework for a class and losing all of it due to a bad connection. In this modern world, Wi-Fi is the most important piece of technology to anyone, especially students. As we progress to a more connected world, it is important that the network we use can keep up with our demands.