WiFi 6 带来的不仅是高速
WiFi WiFi 6

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> WiFi 6 提高了网络连通性，它在不久的将来有望为数万亿台设备组网，并且能够不间断而高效地工作。它虽然在 2019 年就取得了官方认证，但由于疫情原因，它的测试工作面临不少挑战。本文旨在对这项技术进行概述。
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![WiFi-6](/data/attachment/album/202212/21/165355hi20ky6mchmj0h38.jpg)


WiFi 技术的下一代标准，称为 “WiFi 6”，也可以称为 “AX WiFi” 或 “802.11ax”。它是为满足指数级增长的设备组网需求而产生的，因此也可以用于 VR 和智能家居。它是现有的 802.11ac WiFi 标准的升级版，可以应对现有技术在容量、效率、覆盖范围和性能方面遇到的挑战。


![Figure 1: WiFi 6](/data/attachment/album/202212/21/165358jl1nkmj21muhl3sj.jpg)


这项技术是在 2014 年进行研发，完成于 2018 年，由 IEEE 高性能无线网络研究组（HEW SG）发布。产品认证于 2019 年后期进行，此时三星 Galaxy Note 10 和 Ruckus R750 使用了这种技术。WiFi 6 运行于 1GHz 和 6GHz 波段，主要的频率为 2.4GHz-5GHz。


如今，每个家庭平均有九台设备需要连接 WiFi。WiFi 6 主要致力于改善网络质量，而不是提升某些设备的速度。


### WiFi 6的特点


* **多用户、多输入、多输出（MU-MIMO）：** 路由器和多台设备可以同时通信。在 2.4GHz 和 5GHz 频率上，它支持四个同步的数据流，当这些数据流添加到一个用户时，可以从智能路由器接收到相当大的输入数据的带宽。
* **1024-QAM:** 这令 WiFi 6 的每个数据包能编码的字节数更多，吞吐量增加了 25%。它不仅提高了大业务量情况下的通信效率，也最大限度增加了传输速率。这在现代企业应用系统领域有很大的优势。
* **正交频分复用（OFDM）：** 支持四倍的副载波，速度也提高了 11%。扩展的信号支持用户同时进行更多数据包传输。所以数据包之间的等待时间和延迟就减少了。
* **增加的信道宽度：** 80MHz 的波段加入了 160MHz 的信道通信，信道宽度增加了一倍。因此，路由器可以容纳更多用户，为每个用户提供更大的数据流。
* **目标唤醒时间（TWT）：** 这是 WiFi 6 特有的。它支持每台设备独立协商发送和接收的唤醒时间。它可以增加总体睡眠时间，令电池寿命最大化。它还支持许多额外的网络选项，特别是对 IoT 设备的支持。
* **提升安全性：** 一切支持 WiFi 6 的设备都需要包含 WPA3 协议。它可以对未经验证的通信进行加密，针对暴力字典攻击提供了强大的密码保护，以及对敏感信息进行 192 位的加密，提升数据的可靠性。
* **波束赋形：** 借助八根天线，波束赋形能提高传输速率，通信范围也因直接定向到某个客户端而扩大。它对快速移动的、可能面临多用户、多输入、多输出的设备起到了支撑作用。波束赋形也有利于控制那些蓄意发出干扰信号的天线的传输。然后信号会被重新定向到新的目标。


### 支持 WiFi 6 的设备


到目前为止，路由器、中继器、网状网络和多数 WiFi 使用者还是以 WiFi 5 为标准。WiFi 6 是 2019 年推出的。一些支持 WiFi 5 的早期设备存在一些兼容性问题 —— 它们可以使用 WiFi 6 的网络，但得不到相应的支持服务。


WiFi 6 的路由器是向后兼容的。应该确保网络已经为此做好了准备。


WiFi 6 实现了较低的电量消耗，在任何场景（包括 IoT）下，都是个不错的选择。它减少了不必要的数据流动，还会通知设备何时将数据激活或令其睡眠。所以不必要的数据流动减少了，性能和电池寿命也提高了。


三星 Galaxy Note 10 和 Ruckus R750 是全球第一款经认证支持 WiFi 6 的智能手机和接入设备，苹果的最新款 iPhone 也紧随其后。WiFi 联盟已经确立了认证方案，正如人们预期的那样，等待入市的那些新款无线产品也开始申请认证了。下列设备已支持 WiFi 6:


* iPhone 11 和之后的型号
* 三星 Galaxy S10、S20、Note 10 和 Note 20
* 配置 M1 处理器的苹果电脑
* 智能电视



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> 为了全面享受到 802.11ax 标准带来的改进，硬件和软件的功能都需要基于这种 WiFi 技术进行升级。
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### 硬件测试


为了充分挖掘最新款设备的潜力，需要一台 WiFi 6 路由器来运行网络。几年前，这么做的成本很高，但现在我们有多种选择，甚至可以使用网格系统、游戏路由器、范围扩展器等等。只有在进行实际测试时，才可以购买最划算的设备。如今，在速度方面，TP-Link Archer AX6000 是最快的，它击败了所有的竞争者。这款路由器可以以 1523 Mbps 的速率无线传输数据，有效传输距离为 1.5米（5 英尺）。


很重要的一点，请务必记住，这些路由器提速，并不是在变魔术。理论上的最大速率 9.6 Gbps是实现不了的。这种理论上的最大速率，实际上也会被多台设备分摊掉。


WiFi 6 侧重于在连接设备密集的地方提供高质量的连接。它不会令单台设备的速率指数级增长，但会使相关的设备运行处于理想水平。


只有各大互联网服务提供商（ISP）的加速计划与 WiFi 6 路由器结合起来，才能体现它的真正潜力。真正的挑战是那些 ISP 承受的，因为它们需要铺设新型的光纤来利用这种下一代技术。存在一个重要的问题：当ISP 的通信速率变得更快，现有的硬件会变得多余吗？


### WiFi 6 的应用


* **大型公共场所（LPV）：** 体育馆和会议中心是上千台设备同时联网的公共场所。WiFi 6 能改善参会者体验，增强消费者互动，还能提供附加服务，比如即时回放，订购餐食等。它还支持 LPV 业主开拓新的商业机会。
* **交通枢纽：** 公共交通站点也是人们需要同时联网的场所。OFDMA 和 BSS 这类明显具有 WiFi 6 色彩的技术为解决这种问题提供了必要的工具。
* **物联网和智慧城市建设：** WiFi 6 的能效令物联网设备可以进入休眠模式，并且可以在预定的间隔内开启信号发射器，以便在无需过多维护的情况下增加现场作业时间。
* **教育机构：** 大学校园内的图书馆、礼堂和报告厅内的日间 WiFi 使用密度是最高的，夜晚几乎没有人。WiFi 6 是这类场景的完美选项。


（LCTT 译注：相关产品推荐部分节略。）


### 面临的挑战


WiFi 6 不一定使速度更快，但它能确保在一定范围内的设备速率不会在未来几年变慢。虽然它面临三重挑战，但这些问题常常被忽视。


* 需要对不支持的设备进行升级：即使 Wifi 6 向后兼容，但只能在最大限度使用这种技术时才能做得合理。这意味着每次都要更新设备。
* 内部网络以外的速度和性能：WiFi 6 能为诸如云文件共享之类服务提供极好的连接性。然而，ISP 的相关资源也会影响速度和性能。
* 覆盖范围问题：在各个国家，传输信号和带宽都是由法律规定上限的。因此，为了符合法律规定的上限，WiFi 6 的覆盖范围也是受限的。


尽管存在这些挑战，一些企业，像 Aruba、华硕、AT&T、Boingo、博通、思科、Comcast、CommScope、Cypress、Extreme Networks、英特尔、Netgear、Orange、高通、TP-Link 和小米，都在关注 WiFi 6 更多的可能性。




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via: <https://www.opensourceforu.com/2022/06/wifi-6-promises-much-more-than-faster-speeds/>


作者：[Sharon Katta](https://www.opensourceforu.com/author/sharon-katta/) 选题：[lkxed](https://github.com/lkxed) 译者：[cool-summer-021](https://github.com/cool-summer-021) 校对：[wxy](https://github.com/wxy)


本文由 [LCTT](https://github.com/LCTT/TranslateProject) 原创编译，[Linux中国](https://linux.cn/) 荣誉推出


OK
*WiFi 6 increases the network connectivity, and has been developed to ensure the trillions of devices connected in the near future continue to work seamlessly and efficiently. Though it was certified in 2019, it faced a few challenges in testing due to the pandemic. This article gives an overview of this technology.*

The next-generation standard in WiFi technology, termed ‘WiFi 6’, is also known as ‘AX WiFi’ or ‘802.11ax’. Developed to meet the exponential increase in demand for devices in the world, it can be used for virtual reality (VR) and smart home devices as well. It is an improvement on the current 802.11ac WiFi standard and meets current challenges in terms of capacity, efficiency, coverage and performance.

![WiFi 6](https://www.opensourceforu.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WiFi-6-1.jpg)


![WiFi 6](https://www.opensourceforu.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WiFi-6-1.jpg)

Researched in 2014, this standard was invented in 2018 and launched by the IEEE High Efficiency WLAN Study Group (HEW SG). It began certifications in late 2019, with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 and Ruckus R750 employing this technology. Specified to operate between the 1GHz and 6GHz bands, WiFi 6 focuses mainly between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.

In an average household today, nine devices are connected to WiFi. WiFi 6 aims at improving the network rather than boosting the speed for individual devices.

**Features of WiFi 6**

**Multi-user, multi-input, multi-output (MU-MIMO):** This communication between routers and multiple devices concurrently. It supports four simultaneous data streams, added to which one user can have a considerable bandwidth of incoming data from a smart router, both on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.

** 1024-QAM:** This helps WiFi 6 encode more bits per packet. There is a 25 per cent increase in throughput. Not only does it improve efficiency in high-traffic situations, it also maximises data rates. This is a huge advantage for modern enterprise applications.

**This allows four times as many subcarriers and increases speed by 11 per cent. The expanded signal allows for greater simultaneous packet delivery across users. Hence, the wait time between packets and latency is reduced.**

*Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM):**The 160MHz channel communication is added to the 80MHz band, thus doubling the channel width. This allows routers to handle more users and provide larger streams per user.*

**Increased channel width:***This feature is unique to WiFi 6. It allows each device to independently negotiate wake time for transmission and reception. This helps to increase total sleep time and maximise battery life. TWT enables many additional networking options, especially for IoT devices.*

**Target wake time (TWT):***All WiFi 6 devices will need to include Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3). This will lead to encryption of unauthenticated traffic, robust password protection against brute-force dictionary attacks, and superior data reliability for sensitive information with 192-bit encryption.*

**Improved security:***With eight support antennas, beamforming helps to improve data rates, and the range is extended by directing signals towards specific clients at once. It offers a backup for rapidly moving devices that may face issues with MU-MIMO. Beamforming also helps to control transmissions from antennas that cause signals to interfere on purpose. The signal can then be redirected to a new direction.*

**Beamforming:****Devices that support WiFi 6
**Until recently, WiFi 5 was the standard used for routers, repeaters, mesh networks and many WiFi clients. WiFi 6 was launched in 2019. There will be some compatibility issues for the earlier devices that supported WiFi 5 — they will be able to utilise the WiFi 6 network but not be able to receive support for the same.

WiFi 6 routers are backward-compatible, and it is better to make sure that the network is ready for that.

WiFi 6 enables lower battery consumption, making it a great choice for any environment, including the Internet of Things (IoT). It reduces unnecessary data activity, and tells devices when to put their data to sleep and when to be active. As a result, unnecessary data activity is reduced, and performance and battery life are maximised.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Ruckus R750 were the world’s first smartphone and access point certified to support Wi-Fi 6, with the latest generation of the Apple iPhone following suit. The Wi-Fi Alliance has set up its certification programme, and new wireless products hitting the market are expected to start applying for compliance certification. The devices listed below are already WiFi 6 enabled:

- iPhone 11 and after
- Samsung Galaxy S10, S20, Note 10, and Note 20
- Apple computers with M1 processors
- Smart TVs

To take advantage of the improvements in the 802.11ax standard fully, both hardware and software functionalities have to be built on this WiFi technology. |


**Hardware testing**

To unlock the full potential of the latest devices, a WiFi 6 router is needed to run the network. This was an expensive affair a few years ago, but now we have a number of options even for mesh systems, gaming routers, range extenders, and more. The best purchase can be made only when hands-on testing is done. Beating all its competitors, the current king in terms of speed for WiFi 6 routers is TP-Link Archer AX6000. This router was able to transmit data wirelessly at a rate of 1523 Mbps up to a distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet).

One important thing to remember here is that these routers do not magically increase speeds. The theoretical maximum of achieving 9.6 Gbps is unlikely. This high theoretical speed can be split up across a whole network of devices.

WiFi 6 emphasises quality connectivity in areas where connected devices are densely populated. It does not increase the speed of each device exponentially but ensures these operate at an optimum level.

Only the combination of a faster plan from the Internet service providers (ISPs) along with the WiFi 6 router, can fulfil its true potential. The real challenge is for the ISPs, as they need new fibre rollouts to capitalise on this next-gen technology. An important question is: when faster ISP speeds come, will the existing hardware become redundant?

**Applications of WiFi 6**

** Large public venues (LPVs):** Stadiums and convention centres are a few of the common areas where thousands of devices connect to WiFi at the same time. WiFi 6 can help to improve attendee experiences, increase customer interactions, and create value-added services like viewing instant replays or ordering food from one’s seat at an event. WiFi 6 allows LPV owners to create new business opportunities.

**Public transport stations are also an area where people attempt to connect to the network simultaneously. OFDMA and BSS colouring in WiFi 6 provide the necessary tools needed to overcome this challenge.**

*Transport hubs:***Power efficiencies in WiFi 6 enable IoT devices to go into sleep mode and turn on their transmitters at predefined intervals to prolong field time without much maintenance.**

*IoT and smart city deployments:***Libraries, auditoriums, and lecture halls at college and university campuses have the highest density of WiFi users during the day, and almost no one at night. WiFi 6 is a perfect choice in this situation.**

*Education:***Top WiFi 6 solutions providers for enterprises**

WiFi 6 is targeted for areas that have many devices connecting to one network, and is more than just a collection of access points. It enables superior security and performance, centralised configuration and management, and a much higher capacity for user density.

Arista’s cognitive WiFi 6 platforms remove any single points of failure for seamless and limitless scaling. Its CloudVision WiFi uses Big Data analysis to proactively identify and remediate inefficiencies that end-user wireless experiences often encounter.

Cisco Meraki uses WiFi 6 multigigabit technology, allowing you to optimise wireless access with faster connections, greater user capacity, and more coverage. It also includes integration benefits for organisations that have other Cisco and Meraki components on their network.

Ruckus, which is currently owned by parent company Arris, not only sells WiFi 6 hardware products but also provides software solutions. Its ‘ultra-high density technology suite’ is designed to improve network performance in high density areas.

Extreme Networks, now acquired by Aerohive, specialises in on-premises wireless controllers and WiFi 6 compatible distributed architecture. This provides administrators the authority to tune and control networks with added resiliency when compared to cloud managed alternatives.

Fortinet is known for its security-centric systems. Admins can manage via a dedicated, on-premises WiFi 6 compatible controller or by using a cloud-managed service option. FortiNAC is a network access control platform that integrates into any wireless architecture options to provide access and monitoring of wireless users, as well as autonomous IoT devices.

**Top Wi-Fi 6 solutions providers for homes**

Deploying a Wi-Fi 6 router can be challenging, as the pricing is based on hardware specs, performance capabilities, and features. Budget Wi-Fi 6 routers — typically, bare-bones and dual-band models — range in price from US$ 70 to US$ 200. They use low-end components such as dual-core CPUs that offer low data rates, and lack features such as USB ports, anti-malware software, and multi-gig LAN ports. A high-end Wi-Fi 6 router costs more than US$ 600.

WiFi 6 whole-home mesh networking system routers come at a very economical price, and are being chosen by vendors who provide home-based solutions. It is easier and quicker to operate them when compared to adding a third-party wireless range extender to the network.

**TP-Link Archer AX6000 **Wi-Fi 6 router delivers speeds up to 5952 Mbps and comes with eight external antennas that provide a stronger connectivity throughout your house. Its features include band steering and airtime fairness, which direct clients to the less congested band and optimise time usage, respectively. It comes with a security system built-in for parental controls as well.

Asus AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 router has a 160MHz bandwidth and a total networking speed of around 3000 Mbps. It helps to improve the battery life of the connected devices with its power saving feature. Since it is compatible with the Asus AiMesh, it offers seamless connectivity to all corners of your house.

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming 6-Stream Wi-Fi router is basically designed for gaming. Its design handles VR gaming, 4K streaming and more. With a WPA3 encryption, traffic controller firewall (apart from the anti-virus), anti-malware and data protection, it offers excellent security.

**The challenges**

WiFi 6 does not promise an increase in speed, but is an upgrade designed to make sure the speeds of our devices within a given range/area doesn’t slow down a few years down the road. There are three major challenges it faces though, which are often overlooked.

Improving the functionality of unsupported devices: Even though WiFi 6 is backward- compatible, justice to it can only be done when this technology is used to the maximum. This means devices need to be upgraded each time.

Speed and performance outside the internal network: WiFi 6 can provide excellent connectivity for services like cloud file shares. However, the assets and resources of ISPs can affect speed and performance.

*Coverage issues:* Transmission and bandwidths are capped according to the regulations prevalent in each country. Hence, the coverage of WiFi 6 may be restricted to ensure this cap is met.

In spite of these challenges, companies like Aruba, Asus, AT&T, Boingo, Broadcom, Cisco, Comcast, CommScope, Cypress, Extreme Networks, Intel, Netgear, Orange, Qualcomm, TP-Link and Xiaomi are all focusing on the potential WiFi 6 has.