Blog

See the latest Swoop blogs & updates

What is WiFi 6?

By Marshall Thurlow | 2024-07-30
What is Wi Fi 6

Everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6

You may already have heard of 6GHz Wi-Fi, often known as Wi-Fi 6E or just Wi-Fi 6, and if you haven’t fully explored it yet, you’re in for a treat.

The 6GHz channel has seriously enhanced the Wi-Fi situation, but if you’re new to it, you’ll undoubtedly have questions.

At Swoop, we’re here to help you make sense of your home Wi-Fi setup. In this guide, we’ll explain what Wi-Fi 6 is, how it compares to the newer Wi-Fi 7, and whether it’s worth upgrading — especially if you’re on a fast plan like nbn® 1000 or using the latest routers like eero 7.

TLDR summary:

  1. Understanding Wi-Fi channels
  2. What is Wi-Fi 6?
  3. The difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E
  4. How to connect to Wi-Fi at 6GHz
  5. Do I need 6GHz Wi-Fi?

Slow Internet Connection?

Let Swoop get you connected FAST! Check if your address can get fast and reliable internet.

Enter your address

First, understanding Wi-Fi channels

Up until now, Wi-Fi networks sent signals on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.

To understand what 6GHz Wi-Fi is, let’s take a look at how your Wi-Fi channels work. 

Traditionally, Wi-Fi networks sent signals on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz primary frequency bands. Think of these channels as little roads that send internet to linked devices. Each channel has advantages and disadvantages that make it appropriate for specific situations.

2.4GHz5GHz
SpeedLowerHigher
CoverageHigherLower
InterferenceMore susceptibleLess susceptible
*Coverage refers to the area or range within which a wireless signal is strong enough to provide a reliable and usable connection.
*Interference refers to the disruption or weakening of the wireless signal caused by other devices, networks, or physical obstacles

The 2.4GHz is susceptible to interference because it shares the frequency with many other devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors. It can penetrate walls and obstacles better, but this also means it can pick up interference from these sources.

In comparison, the 5GHz channel provides less congestion and faster speeds, but its signal range is shorter than that of the 2.4GHz band. 

In your device settings, you will usually see two network IDs for your home internet: “Your Wi-Fi Name” which is your 2.4GHz and “Your Wi-Fi Name_5G” which is your 5GHz.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 is a recent wireless standard that offers faster speeds, better efficiency, and greater capacity for multiple devices. It operates on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, but newer versions like Wi-Fi 6E also use the 6GHz band.

Here is how Wi-Fi 6 compares to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency.

2.4GHz5GHz6GHz
SpeedLowerHigherHighest
CoverageHigherLowerLowest
InterferenceMore susceptibleLess susceptibleLess susceptible

So what is Wi-Fi 6 better for? 

Wi-Fi 6E offers more available 6GHz channels than 2.4GHz or 5GHz. This extra bandwidth means less interference and better performance, especially in areas with lots of competing networks (like apartments or busy homes).

That makes Wi-Fi 6E a great option in high-density environments, helping maintain faster speeds when many devices are connected.

However, higher frequencies (like 6GHz) have shorter range and more difficulty passing through walls or large objects. If you live in a larger home, you may need a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure reliable coverage across every room.

What’s the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 builds on the improvements of Wi-Fi 6, offering even faster speeds, lower latency, and smoother performance across many devices.

While Wi-Fi 6 is ideal for most homes, Wi-Fi 7 is better suited to faster plans like nbn® 1000, or for households that stream, game, or work online on multiple devices at once.

If you’re considering an upgrade, look for a Wi-Fi 7 router, like the eero 7, which works seamlessly with all nbn® connections and supports the latest Wi-Fi features.

You can read more about Wi-Fi 7 here.

What’s the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6 operates on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6E extends this to include the 6GHz band, offering more spectrum and better performance.

WiFi 6E is an “extended” version of WiFi 6. In addition to supporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it also supports 6GHz. The 6GHz band has been approved for use in Australia since early 2022, enabling the sale of WiFi 6E routers. It’s worth keeping in mind when you’re looking at a Wi-Fi 6 router or a 6E router.

It’s important to note that unlike previous WiFi standards, WiFi 6E isn’t backwards compatible and will only work with 6E-compatible devices.

6E compatible devices include:

  • Smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6, and newer models.
  • Some laptop models, such as from ASUS, Dell, and HP.
  • Some routers, such as Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000.
  • Tablets. Latest iPad Pro models.
  • Wi-Fi Adapters. Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210.

How to connect to Wi-Fi at 6GHz

To use the 6GHz band, you need a Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7 router and devices that support 6GHz Wi‑Fi.

If you want access to 6GHz Wi‑Fi, your router must support Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7. Some routers let you select the 6GHz network manually, while others manage it automatically.

You’ll also need compatible devices. While many newer phones and laptops support 6GHz Wi‑Fi, most older TVs, game consoles, and smart devices do not.

If you’ve upgraded your phone, laptop, or tablet in the last few years, there’s a good chance it supports Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7 and can use the 6GHz band.

Routers like the eero 7 support both Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7, and automatically optimise which band your devices use for the best performance.

Do I need 6GHz Wi-Fi?

Not necessarily — but it’s becoming more useful.

You don’t need 6GHz Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7) if your current setup works well and your internet usage is light. But if you have a fast nbn® plan like nbn® 500 or nbn® 1000, or a household with lots of connected devices, upgrading to a Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7 router can noticeably improve speed and reliability.

6GHz offers less congestion and more capacity, especially in apartments or busy neighbourhoods. Devices and routers that support it are also becoming more affordable.

It’s a smart upgrade to consider when buying a new router or replacing a modem. Swoop’s eero 7 router supports both Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7 and works with all nbn® connections.

Check out our plans

Hear from happy customers!

Frequently asked questions

Is Wi-Fi 6 actually better?

Yes — Wi‑Fi 6 is faster, more efficient, and handles congestion better than Wi‑Fi 5, especially in homes with lots of connected devices.

While not essential for everyone, it makes a noticeable difference if you’re on a faster nbn® plan like nbn® 500 or nbn® 1000. It helps unlock the full potential of your connection, especially when streaming, gaming, or working from home.

For even better performance, newer Wi‑Fi 7 routers like the eero 7 take it a step further with faster speeds and lower latency.

Will my devices work with Wi-Fi 6?

Expect most newer devices to be compatible, but not anything made before 2022. Many products made in the last three years support Wi-Fi 6 but older technology was made for Wi-Fi 5. 

6E compatible devices include:

  • Smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6, and newer models.
  • Some laptop models, such as from ASUS, Dell, and HP.
  • Some routers, such as Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000.
  • Tablets. Latest iPad Pro models.
  • Wi-Fi Adapters. Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210.

What phones support Wi-Fi 6?

At the time of publication, these phones support Wi-Fi 6:

  • Apple: iPhone 11 and newer (including SE 2020, iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 series)
  • Samsung: Galaxy S10 and newer, including S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, and Note 10 series or later
  • Google: Pixel 4 and newer (Pixel 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series)
  • OnePlus: OnePlus 8 and newer (8, 9, 10, 11, and Nord series)
  • Xiaomi: Mi 10 series and newer, including Mi 11, 12, 13, and 14 series

If your phone was released in the last few years, there’s a good chance it supports Wi‑Fi 6. To get full performance, pair it with a compatible router like the Eero 6 or Eero 7.

Does Wi-Fi 6 work with my existing NBN connection?

Yes, Wi-Fi 6 routers work with all NBN connection types. You’ll just need to connect your Wi-Fi 6 router to your NBN connection box or modem. It works with FTTP, HFC, FTTN and other NBN technologies.

Is Wi-Fi 6 backwards compatible?

Yes. Wi-Fi 6 is fully backwards compatible, so your older devices will still connect. However, to get the full speed and performance benefits, you’ll need devices that support Wi-Fi 6.

How can I tell if my router supports Wi-Fi 6?

Look for “Wi-Fi 6” or “802.11ax” in your router’s specs or on the box. If you’re unsure, newer models like the Eero 6 or Eero 7 support both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7

What is the range of Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 offers similar range to Wi-Fi 5, but with better performance at longer distances. If you have a large home, adding a mesh system like Eero 6 or Eero 7 can help extend coverage.

Slow Internet Connection?

Let Swoop get you connected FAST! Check if your address can get fast and reliable internet.

Enter your address

To sign up, or enquire, send us a message and our team will be in touch soon.

    You might also like

    What is Wi-Fi 7?
    What is Wi-Fi 7?

    WiFi 7 is here — faster, smoother and made for high-speed nbn®. Learn how WiFi 7 works, how it compares to WiFi 6, and how to upgrade with Swoop’s Eero 7 router.

    Find answers instantly.

    Support Center