If you think WiFi is not good enough for you anymore and looking for some upgrade, you might be interested in the brand new WiFi-6e. In addition, if your devices are running in the 6 GHz band, WiFi Alliance® certification for WiFi-6e is now available, ensuring compatibility.
The WiFi Alliance certification helps guarantee that consumers of WiFi-6e devices have a safe, dependable, and interoperable experience. WiFi-6e enables device designers, users, and internet providers to take advantage of the cutting edge benefits of the 6 GHz spectrum when the band is made accessible globally. The WiFi Alliance certification helps guarantee that consumers of WiFi-6e devices have a safe, dependable, and compatible experience.
On 2 February 2022, an announcement was issued by CITC, Saudi Arabia, to launch WiFi-6e technology in order to boost internet connectivity across the country. In this post, we will discuss what WiFi-6e is, how it differs from the earlier version, and how it will change our online experience.
What is WiFi-6e?
WiFi-6e refers to WiFi 6 extended to the 6 GHz band. WiFi-6e uses the same standard as WiFi 6 but operates over a wider spectrum. 6 GHz is the latest frequency band with a range of 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz that adds up to 1,200 MHz of spectrum.
WiFi-6e, according to the WiFi Alliance, adds “14 extra 80 MHz channels and seven new 160 MHz channels.” These channels would not overlap, which would assist in alleviating congestion, especially in places with a high density of networks.
WiFi 6 Vs WiFi-6e
The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands are used by WiFi 6 and prior versions of WiFi, which WiFi6e also supports. Still, The 6 GHz spectrum should operate in a manner similar to WiFi 6 over 5 GHz, but with the added benefit of non-overlapping channels.
All devices connecting at the 6 GHz frequency band are WiFi 6 devices. There would be no older devices supporting WiFi 5 standards (802.11ac). All devices operating on the 6 GHz channels will communicate in the same language and will be able to make use of WiFi 6’s new congestion-busting capabilities.
In other words, WiFi-6e is WiFi 6 (also known as 802.11ax) operating at a higher frequency than 6 GHz.
Overall Impact of WiFi-6e on Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the first government in the Middle East, Europe, or Africa to dedicate the whole 1200 megahertz of the 6 GHz spectrum to unlicensed usage, clearing the path for this revolutionary technology.
The purpose of a larger spectrum is to provide faster speed, which results in reduced buffering and loading time, or, to put it another way, a more seamless internet experience.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s new normal, all governments and employers worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, were forced to transition to virtual office operations and online schooling. In addition, it resulted in an increase in the number of internet users and the amount of bandwidth needed. Here are some of the sectors where WiFi-6e will especially come in handy:
Education
Due to school closures caused by the epidemic, 6 million youngsters in Saudi Arabia are now enrolled in digital and distance education. According to a recent World Bank research, almost 98 percent of pupils in the Kingdom signed onto the “Madrasati” (“My School”) platform, which is a local customized learning platform. WiFi-6e will enhance accessibility and ease of e-learning in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the distanced regions.
Jobs
According to a survey by Visa, the worldwide digital payment giant revealed that 61% of Saudis polled increased their online purchasing, and 90% want to continue shopping online even when the COVID-19 outbreak is ended. As a result, it is critical to ensure that the finest internet solution is in place to guarantee the continuity of operations and virtual meetings. WiFi-6e technology is likely to play a significant part in this.
Online Business
WiFi-6e can make the internet accessible and smoother for both online entrepreneurs and consumers. As a result, it will passively support the whole economic infrastructure of the country. Between 2015 and 2020, the e-commerce market expanded by 40%, reaching a value of $9.8 billion, with Saudi being among the top 26 biggest e-commerce markets.
The Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) latest analysis noted that the sector’s market value surged by about 60% between 2019 and 2020 and is currently expected to surpass SAR 50 Billion by 2025.
Online Gaming
None of the above-mentioned circumstances need flawless internet access quite as much as online gaming. Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry is thriving, growing at a pace of 22%, and there are plans to expand the market for eSports in the next couple of years. The rise of the electronic games industry in Saudi Arabia parallels the expansion of gaming platforms and specialized sites for secure real-money betting. As the government has a positive attitude towards gaming, with a bit of speed boost by WiFi-6e, the sector is expected to grow tremendously in the upcoming years.
Final Thoughts
As with many other cutting-edge technologies, WiFi-6e has various technical disadvantages that vary according to the environment in which it is utilized. However, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, the next time you replace your WiFi provider or router, make sure to explore WiFi-6e technology.
