How Fast Is Wi-Fi 6?

In the world of wireless networking, after using numbers and initials for years—802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac—we’re suddenly using a simple, single-digit: Wi-Fi 6.

- John R. Delaney

Yes, the new generation of wireless networking is still part of the Ethernet-compatible IEEE 802.11 protocol, so it’s also known as 802.11ax, but its more consumer-friendly name is just one of its benefits. That’s why it’s showing up not only in the latest routers but also in the newest notebook PCs. And at PC Labs, you know what that means: It’s time to put the technology to the test and see what kind of performance boost you can expect from the revised standard.

To do so, we secured a Wi-Fi 6-capable laptop, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, which is equipped with a Killer AX1650s network adapter, and three new Wi-Fi 6 routers. We compared the routers’ throughput to that of our 802.11ac Editors’ Choice router, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300. We tested all four routers using both the Dell convertible and a Lenovo ThinkPad T450 with an 802.11ac Intel Dual-Band Wireless AC8260 network adapter for comparison’s sake.

WHAT IS WI-FI 6?

Before we dive into the test results, let’s talk a little about the new wireless standard. Wi-Fi 6 routers employ several new technologies that are designed to deliver throughput theoretically nearing 10Gbps, versus max speeds of about 3Gbps for 802.11ac. The spec takes advantage of previously unused radio frequencies to provide faster 2.4GHz performance, and it uses refined bandwidth management to provide enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) options.