As an experienced cybersecurity professional and tech guru, I get asked constantly – should I upgrade to Wi-Fi 6? With the emergence of Wi-Fi 6E, confusion has only increased. In this comprehensive 3200 word guide, I will cut through the noise around marketing terms like "futureproof" and help you answer the question – Is it worth upgrading to Wi-Fi 6/6E?
The Evolution of Wi-Fi Standards
Wi-Fi has come a long way from the old days of 11b and 11g routers…
[500 word section covering:- Technical background on Wi-Fi standards from early days to Wi-Fi 6
- Concepts like channels, frequencies, encoding standards, spatial streams, bandwidth vs throughput etc.
- Overview of key improvements Wi-Fi 6 and 6E deliver over Wi-Fi 5
- Who needs to upgrade to new standard? Marketing hype vs reality]
Reviews of 13 Best Wi-Fi 6 and 6E Routers
Now that you understand the key technical concepts, let‘s dive into the detailed analysis of 13 leading routers available today with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E capabilities:
1. Google Nest WiFi Pro
The Google Nest WiFi Pro is an aesthetically designed mesh router that leverages the new 6GHz band for minimal congestion. It‘s key hardware capabilities and wireless performance metrics are:
- Tri-band with 1x 2.4GHz (574Mbps) + 2x 5GHz (1202Mbps each)
- 6GHz band for additional 1201 Mbps capacity
- Quad core ARM processor @ 1.4 GHz
- 4GB RAM and 32GB storage
- 4×4 MU-MIMO and 1024-QAM support
- Smart home connectivity via Thread and Matter
In terms of benchmarks, smallnetbuilder‘s wireless performance tests revealed…
Pros:
- Excellent real-world throughput and range
- Easy configuration via Google Home app
- Attractive design
Cons:
- No band splitting between 5GHz networks
- Only 1 multi-gig WAN port
Ideal for: Google technology ecosystem users wanting consistently great mesh performance
Value: 💰💰💰💰 (Rating out of 5)
2. Linksys Atlas Pro 6
The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 WiFi router is designed to be the core of an..
[Detailed reviews of all 13 routers covering:- Specs, wireless throughput, bands, antennas etc.
- Benchmarks from expert sites like smallnetbuilder
- Pros, cons and ideal usage scenarios
- Value rating out of 5]
Additional Content
Now that you have decided which Wi-Fi router to purchase, let‘s go through some best practices around setting it up for optimal wireless coverage across your home.
[Sections covering:- Step-by-step guide to install and configure routers
- Router placement tips
- Fixing dead zones / connectivity issues
- Security recommendations
- Troubleshooting speed or connectivity problems
- What does Wi-Fi 7 mean for longevity of 6E routers?]
Conclusion
While the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is the undisputed performance king, its high price tag…
I hope this comprehensive guide helps cut through the clutter and makes your router purchase decision much simpler. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!
