Wi-Fi standards keep advancing. Here’s a plain comparison.

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

Still common, but dated. Works on the 5 GHz band and struggles in dense environments.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Better efficiency with many devices connected at once, improved battery life for clients, and higher speeds. A strong, mature baseline today.

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6 extended into the 6 GHz band, adding extra channels with less interference. Excellent in busy offices, but needs 6E-capable client devices to benefit.

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

Adds wider channels, higher peak speeds, and multi-link operation (using multiple bands at once) for lower latency and more reliable connections. It benefits most when clients also support it.

What should you buy?

– Replacing old access points: choose Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 for a longer useful life

– Budget-focused: Wi-Fi 6 is still very capable

– Check your clients: the benefit depends on the devices connecting

Beyond the standard

Coverage and design matter more than the version number. A well-planned Wi-Fi 6 network beats a poorly placed Wi-Fi 7 one. Also confirm your switches provide enough PoE power and speed (2.5 GbE or better) to feed the access points.

DBR Soft can design, supply, and install Wi-Fi that fits your space. Contact us for more information.