Common Questions Regarding Wi-Fi 6E Deco

Q1. What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E is an upgraded version of Wi-Fi 6; it extends Wi-Fi 6 into the 6 GHz band. Wi-Fi 6E works with the same standard as Wi-Fi 6 but with an extended spectrum. 6 GHz is the new frequency band ranging from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, allowing up to 1,200 MHz of additional spectrum. Unlike the existing bands on which channels are currently crammed into the limited spectrum, the 6GHz band exists without channel overlap or interference.

Q2. What are the benefits of using a 6GHz network?

Nowadays, most houses have a Dual-Band wireless router that broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals. These routers overlap because the 5Ghz channels are very limited, which leads to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless interference between neighboring networks.

However, 6 GHz has seven 160 MHz channels with no overlap, allowing for minimized interference between networks. With its expanded bandwidth, 6 GHz provides the best 4K/8K streaming, gaming, and high-speed downloading experience.

Q3: Do I need to upgrade my Mesh system to Wi-Fi 6E even if I do not have any 6 GHz wireless clients?

Mesh systems differ from traditional Routers; Mesh nodes can use 6 GHz as a wireless backhaul. Under these circumstances, 6 GHz can be used between Deco units’ communication without any clients using the band. This means upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E Mesh could improve performance and increase network stability even if your wireless clients don’t support 6 GHz.

Q4: What Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi-capable mesh products are available?

Please refer to this page; we will periodically update its content.

https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/deco/?filterby=6093

Q5. What channels does Wi-Fi 6E have?

Wi-Fi 6E allows for seven additional 160 MHz channels, divided into four continuous non-crossing sub-bands (U-NII-5, 6, 7, 8).

Due to the difference in wireless regulations in different countries or areas, the available 6E channels might differ.

Q6. Can I use 6 GHz wireless with my older phones and laptops?

Wi-Fi 6E Deco products also have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless radios. Your older phones and laptops can still connect to the traditional 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

However, phones and laptops that do not support 6 GHz Wi-Fi cannot use the 6 GHz radio of Wi-Fi 6E Deco products.

Q7. Will a Wi-Fi 6E-enabled Deco system work with my older Deco system?

Yes, Deco is designed to be cross-compatible with any Deco model.  However, when using a blended system some features may not be available across the network.  For example, 6 GHz can only be used as a backhaul between Decos that support 6 GHz.

Q8. When using Wi-Fi 6E-capable Mesh devices, will my cellphone be able to automatically switch between the 5Ghz and 6GHz networks?

It depends on the client, what protocols its supports and how the network is configured