Wi-Fi 6 and 7: Should You Upgrade?

Understanding Wi-Fi Standards

Wi-Fi technology constantly evolves. After Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has become widespread, and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is entering the market. But what do these developments actually mean in practice? For more on telecommunications in France, explore our complete guides.

Generation Overview

Wi-Fi 6: The Current Standard

Key Improvements

OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): This technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously on the same frequencies. Result: less latency when you have many connected devices.

Enhanced MU-MIMO: The router can handle up to 8 simultaneous streams (compared to 4 with Wi-Fi 5). Useful for households with many users and devices.

Target Wake Time (TWT): Devices can "sleep" more intelligently, saving battery while staying connected.

Improved Speeds: Wi-Fi 6 theoretically reaches 9.6 Gbit/s, but more importantly, it maintains better performance in crowded environments.

Wi-Fi 6E: Extension to 6 GHz

Wi-Fi 6E adds a third frequency band: 6 GHz (in addition to 2.4 and 5 GHz). This band is less congested as few devices use it yet. It offers more channels, fewer interferences, and more stable speeds.

Wi-Fi 7: The Next Generation

What's New in Wi-Fi 7

MLO (Multi-Link Operation): The router can use multiple bands simultaneously for the same device. Your smartphone can connect via 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz AND 6 GHz at the same time, combining speeds and improving reliability.

320 MHz Channels: Channel width doubles compared to Wi-Fi 6, enabling higher speeds.

4K-QAM: Denser modulation that further increases theoretical speeds.

Theoretical Speeds: Up to 46 Gbit/s theoretical, 4 to 5 times more than Wi-Fi 6.

Wi-Fi 7 Availability

Wi-Fi 7 is still new. Some high-end routers and smartphones support it, but French ISP routers don't widely integrate it yet. Expect gradual adoption between 2025 and 2027.

Should You Change Your Router?

Available Wi-Fi 6 Routers

French ISPs now offer Wi-Fi 6 routers:

Orange: Livebox 6 and Livebox 7 (Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E)

SFR: SFR Box 8 (Wi-Fi 6)

Bouygues: Bbox Ultym (Wi-Fi 6)

Free: Freebox Ultra (Wi-Fi 7), Freebox Pop (Wi-Fi 5)

Does Wi-Fi 6 Make a Real Difference?

Yes, if:

• You have many connected devices (> 10)
• Your home is large or multi-story
• You stream 4K content or game online
• Your devices (computer, smartphone, tablet) are Wi-Fi 6 compatible

Not really, if:

• You have few devices (smartphone + computer)
• Your home is small
• Your devices are older (no Wi-Fi 6)
• You mainly use Ethernet for fixed equipment

The Cost of Changing

Changing routers may involve:

• A plan change (sometimes more expensive)
• Activation or equipment fees
• Re-commitment to the ISP

Calculate whether the benefits justify the additional cost.

Are Your Devices Compatible?

How to Check

Wi-Fi 6 only works at full potential if your devices also support it.

Smartphones: Models from 2020-2021 onwards (iPhone 11+, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Pixel 4+) generally support Wi-Fi 6.

Laptops: Machines from 2020 often include it. Check your Wi-Fi card specifications.

Tablets: iPad from 2020 onwards, recent mid-range and high-end Android tablets.

Smart Devices: Most remain on Wi-Fi 4 or 5, which isn't a problem (they don't need high speeds).

Checking on Windows

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand "Network adapters"
3. Find your Wi-Fi card
4. If it mentions "AX" or "Wi-Fi 6", you're compatible

Checking on Mac

1. Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report
2. In Network > Wi-Fi
3. Look for "PHY Mode: 802.11ax" for Wi-Fi 6

Optimizing Your Current Wi-Fi

Before changing routers, check that your current setup is optimal:

Router Placement

• Centralize the router in your home
• Avoid placing it near thick walls, aquariums, or microwave ovens
• Elevate it (not on the floor)
• Avoid closets and confined spaces

Repeaters and Mesh Systems

If your home is large, a mesh system (mesh network) may be more effective than a new router. Systems like Google Nest Wifi, Amazon Eero, or TP-Link Deco create a uniform network throughout the house.

Wi-Fi Channel

Your router automatically chooses a channel, but it may be congested by neighbors. Access your router's interface to change channels if necessary.

The 5 GHz Band

Prefer the 5 GHz band for devices close to the router: it's faster and less congested than 2.4 GHz.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi 6 brings real improvements, especially for households with many connected devices. Wi-Fi 7 promises even better performance but remains marginal in 2025-2026.

Before changing routers, ask yourself the right questions: are my devices compatible? Does my usage justify this change? Can simple optimizations (placement, mesh) suffice?

Changing routers is mainly justified if you're on old Wi-Fi 4 or 5, with many devices and high speed needs. Otherwise, wait for the natural renewal of your equipment.

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The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Standards and equipment evolve rapidly. Check your device compatibility before making any changes.