Why Wi-Fi 6 Might Become the Next Backbone Network
With Wi-Fi 6, speeds are up and latency is down. Especially when Wi-Fi 6 adopts millimeter wave (MMW) technology frequencies that are well-suited for 5G. This is revolutionary for large organizations that have a backbone network rooted in server clusters and legacy cable management issues.
Your backbone network is all about connectivity, and what better than to make your connectivity seamless? With the way Wi-Fi 6 has 5G-like capabilities transmitting on millimeter wave bands, it’s possible.
Millimeter waves (sometimes displayed as MMW or MM waves) is a band of radio waves that transmits on frequencies between 30GHz and 300GHz. Millimeter waves is also known as extremely high frequency (EHF). This goes beyond the 6GHz band, which was already big news. Now imagine WiFi running on the likes of 60GHz. That’s powerful.
With the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 the familiar limitations of WiFi vanish:
- Faster speeds
- Stronger connection
- Better traffic control at home and in public spaces
- Higher data rates
- Better 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum performance
- Increase in multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO)
- One wireless router to support more antennas to connect to more devices.
These benefits are for in the home and in the office, ultimately erasing the need for legacy wiring. Wi-Fi 6 running on EHF bands that can also power 5G networks calls for Wi-Fi 6 products that will support the wireless backbone of the future. And it looks like the future will bring a new wave of technology where wireless is the new fiber.
Wi-Fi 6 transmitting on higher frequency bands than 6GHz has the potential for unified wireless Internet, serving any city, enterprise, school, business or industry for far less than the cost of wired networks.
But while Wi-Fi 6 is powerful enough to be your network’s backbone for your wireless future, there’s still something to say about investing in a wired backbone. Both Wi-Fi 6 and millimeter wave technology can become obstructed. Whereas, wired solutions are always reliable. Wi-Fi 6 may be powerful, but it’s still WiFi, and WiFi is prone to interference and risks.
For a wired solution as your network’s backbone, check out our Complete Guide to MoCA. For more WiFi security information and tips like this check out Actiontec’s blog.