What is WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E?
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the next generation of WiFi tech. The previous standard was WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and before that WiFi 4 (802.11n). Think of this in the same way as how 5G is the next generation of mobile data service after LTE.
- WiFi 6 comes with many benefits including higher data transfer rates, increased capacity for more devices, improved performance, and improved power efficiency.
- WiFi 6E is an extended version of WiFi 6 that introduces the 6 GHz band, that can provide even faster speed than the 5 GHz band for devices compatible with it.
Both the Ignite WiFi Gateway (Gen 2 and Gen 3) support the WiFi 6 standard, while the Ignite WiFi Gateway (Gen 3) also supports WiFi 6E.
How do I use Gig WiFi?
If you subscribe to a package that offers one gigabit or faster download speeds and have the Ignite WiFi Gateway (Gen 2), you can take advantage of the benefits of WiFi 6 to get gigabit WiFi speeds in your home.
Gigabit WiFi speeds are based on total bandwidth shared between all your connected WiFi devices.
Gig WiFi does not require an additional subscription or change to your existing Shaw Internet plan. You must be subscribed to a package that offers one gigabit or faster download speeds to get the Ignite WiFi Gateway (Gen 2)
How does Gig WiFi work?
Using the WiFi 6 technology included with the Ignite WiFi Gateway (Gen 2), your home WiFi network can support speeds over 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) total, shared between all connected WiFi devices in your home.
It's important to note that your total available WiFi speed is shared between all your WiFi devices. Multiple connected devices may use the entire Gig WiFi bandwidth, while a single device may only get a portion of it.
Maximum speed per WiFi device varies and depends on the features of your device. Generally speaking, WiFi 6-capable devices can achieve higher, more consistent transfer speeds over WiFi compared to older devices.