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WiFi Standards and Why It Matters for Gamers
WiFi has come a long way over the years, evolving into various generations with different capabilities. Understanding these WiFi standards is crucial for gamers, especially as more demanding online games and technologies enter the market. In this article, we’ll break down the different WiFi standards and explain why they matter for gamers, along with how UrbanX’s WiFi 6 capable routers can make a significant difference in your gaming experience.
Understanding WiFi Standards: WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and Beyond
WiFi standards are defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and are referred to by different generations, such as WiFi 4, WiFi 5, and WiFi 6. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant standards for gamers:
WiFi 4 (802.11n): Released in 2009, WiFi 4 brought faster speeds and greater range than its predecessor. However, with increasing demand for high-bandwidth activities, such as HD streaming and online gaming, WiFi 4 quickly became outdated for heavy internet users.
WiFi 5 (802.11ac): Introduced in 2014, WiFi 5 was a major improvement, supporting speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps. It also brought in MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which allows a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This was a game-changer for households with many connected devices, ensuring fewer delays and better overall network performance.
WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Released in 2019, WiFi 6 takes things to the next level with speeds up to 9.6 Gbps. It introduces OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), which allows the router to serve multiple devices more efficiently. It also brings enhanced security protocols and reduces latency – essential for gamers. With more devices using bandwidth, WiFi 6 helps prioritise traffic and reduce bottlenecks.
WiFi 6E: A more recent extension of WiFi 6, WiFi 6E adds the 6 GHz frequency band, providing even less interference and faster data transfer for those devices that support it. It's ideal for larger households or areas with a high concentration of WiFi networks, ensuring smoother, uninterrupted gaming sessions.
WiFi 7 (802.11be): Expected to be released around 2024, WiFi 7 promises even higher speeds and lower latencies, thanks to wider channel widths and new technologies like MLO (Multi-Link Operation). While it’s still in development, gamers who are looking to future-proof their setup might want to keep an eye on this standard.
Why Gamers Should Care About WiFi Generations
For gamers, speed, reliability, and low latency are critical for optimal performance. Here’s how each WiFi generation affects your gaming experience:
Speed and Bandwidth: Online gaming, especially with modern, graphics-intensive games, requires high-speed internet. WiFi 6, with its 9.6 Gbps potential, ensures there’s plenty of bandwidth for even the most demanding games, while other household devices stream content, make video calls, or download files simultaneously. Older generations like WiFi 4 or WiFi 5 may struggle to deliver these speeds, especially with multiple devices in use.
Lower Latency: Latency, or ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. A low-latency connection is crucial for online gaming to ensure smooth gameplay. WiFi 6 introduces Target Wake Time (TWT) technology, which schedules when devices wake up to send and receive data, reducing the competition for bandwidth and lowering latency.
Reduced Congestion: In crowded households with multiple devices, gaming traffic can get lost in the shuffle. WiFi 6’s MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies allow the router to handle more devices at once without compromising the performance of each connection. This means less lag and jitter, even when multiple people are using the network.
Improved Coverage: WiFi 6 routers, such as those offered by UrbanX, provide better range and coverage, thanks to improved beamforming technologies. This means that you can enjoy a strong and stable WiFi signal, ensuring consistent performance in every corner of your gaming space.
Future-Proofing Your Gaming Setup
As the world of gaming continues to evolve, so too must the technology that supports it. Newer WiFi standards offer future-proof solutions for gamers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Here’s why upgrading to WiFi 6 or beyond is a smart move for future-proofing your gaming setup:
Increasing Internet Speeds: With the rollout of ultra-fast fibre networks like those supported by UrbanX, internet speeds are only getting faster. To take full advantage of this, you need a router that can handle these speeds. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are designed to support the higher bandwidth that future internet connections will offer.
Growing Number of Connected Devices: From smart TVs to phones, tablets, and gaming consoles, the average home has more connected devices than ever before. As this number grows, older WiFi standards may become overwhelmed, leading to slower speeds and more frequent disconnections. WiFi 6’s capacity to handle more devices ensures that your network remains fast and reliable, no matter how many gadgets you connect.
Advancements in Gaming Technology: With the rise of cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), internet requirements are set to increase. WiFi 6 offers the low latency, high speeds, and consistent performance needed to support these advanced gaming technologies, ensuring you’re ready for the future of gaming.
Device Support: Is Your Equipment Up to Date?
One of the key considerations when upgrading your WiFi is device compatibility. Not all devices support the latest WiFi standards, so it’s essential to ensure your gaming console, PC, or other gaming equipment is compatible with WiFi 6 or beyond. Luckily, most modern gaming devices, such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and many high-end gaming laptops, already support WiFi 6, allowing you to take full advantage of the faster speeds and improved performance it offers.
If you’re using older devices, upgrading your router will still provide benefits, but you might not experience the full potential of WiFi 6 until all your equipment is up to date. UrbanX offers WiFi 6 capable routers, ensuring you’re prepared for both current and future devices.
UrbanX WiFi 6 Routers: The Perfect Solution for Gamers
UrbanX understands the unique needs of gamers, which is why our WiFi 6 capable routers are designed to deliver the best possible performance. With speeds that can handle even the most demanding games, low latency for real-time responsiveness, and the ability to support multiple devices without congestion, UrbanX’s WiFi 6 routers are the ultimate solution for serious gamers.
Whether you’re battling it out in an intense multiplayer match or exploring vast open-world environments, UrbanX ensures your connection stays fast, stable, and lag-free.
