Wi-Fi 6E

Google Launches Nest Wi-Fi Pro

Earlier this month, Google released the latest Nest version of their consumer-grade router. The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro will not only have Wi-Fi 6E functionality, but also be compatible with Matter IoT. With the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) releasing the Matter 1.0 specification on the same day, it will be interesting to see what this means for the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro and how the Matter certification program will deliver better interoperability between IoT devices in the smart home.

We’re guessing if you’ve landed on this blog that you are familiar with the Google Nest line of products, but just in case you’re not – Google Nest is perhaps one of the most lucrative and accomplished Wi-Fi mesh products on the market.

The launch of this latest version brings the Google Nest up to date with Wi-Fi 6E technology and is currently available for order.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – The Tech

The traditional router is a singular device and whilst it can offer great signal in the room it’s installed, it can get patchy the further out you try to connect, even in just the standard home.

Where Google Nest Wi-Fi differs is that it is a scalable system, giving a consistent, strong signal across the entire home. Not only that, but each Nest Wi-Fi point is also a Google speaker with Google Assistant.

How Does the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro Work?

There are two main devices to this system – The router and the point. The router plugs directly into your modem and creates your network, with a strong and reliable signal.

The point works alongside the router to extend the coverage without losing any strength. This is where it becomes scalable – Depending on the size of your home, you can choose to install these Wi-Fi points in various locations and rooms to make sure the Wi-Fi stays fast everywhere.

Plus – They are also a smart speaker, so you can use your Google Assistant wherever you are in your home, from playing your favourite music to setting a timer for dinner.

There is a fantastic visual representation of just what the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro can do on the product page of their website.

Most houses now have at least an element of being a smart home. Our demand and consumption for good Wi-Fi at home is at an all time high – Whether it’s working from home via video conferencing, streaming the latest Netflix binge-worthy programme or connected to online gaming. Perhaps even all of them at once!

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro router and Wi-Fi point together enables up to 200 devices to connect at any one time, with the strength and speed to handle multiple 4K videos.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro features boast the ability to:

Connect – Keep buffering at bay whatever room you’re in by automatically connecting you to the nearest Wi-Fi point
Optimise – Automatically uses the clearest channel available to offer the fastest band, avoiding congestion
Update – Your Wi-Fi will even improve over time due to regular software updates
Secure – The Nest Wi-Fi router has an advanced security chip to help protect your network along with automatic updates

And all this controlled from the Google Home app in the palm of your hand. Not just your network, but also parental controls, privacy settings, device prioritisation and even speed checks. Pretty nifty.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – The Aesthetics

This newly launched Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro has a sleek, smooth looking egg shaped design.

These products were designed with your home in mind – No more hiding an ugly router away out of sight. This is a Wi-Fi device you won’t mind having on show.

Neutral in colour, they also have a soft under glow when they are ready to help answer those Hey Google requests.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro is aesthetically inspired by ceramic objects, with the aim to blend right in with your home wherever the router or points need to be located.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – Wi-Fi 6E Capabilities

We’ve been banging on about Wi-Fi 6E here on our Geekabit blog – And for good reason! The Wi-Fi world is excited at this new version and the improvements it will bring.

So it’s no surprise really that we’re seeing Google launch their new Nest Wi-Fi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E functionality. Devices with this capability will become more and more prevalent, and we’re happy to see products like this appearing on the market already.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro – Ready for Matter

Taking the tech a step further, this newly launched Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro is also ready for Matter.

Very exciting – But what does that actually mean?

Well, with the CSA only releasing Matter certification information on the same day the new Google Nest device was released, it’s not that obvious what this means just yet.

This is a new standard – It is Matter 1.0 afterall. But a very exciting new standard indeed. The fact that the new Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro says it is ready for Matter means, at this stage, that their products are interoperable IoT devices. Google states that all of their Nest devices will be upgraded to be Matter controllers, with Amazon likely to follow suit with their devices.

The CSA are holding a launch event for Matter in less than a fortnight’s time on the 3rd November, so we will be bringing more to you on Matter and what it means for Wi-Fi very soon.

by admin24th October 2022

Business Wi-Fi Hampshire Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6E

What’s the Difference Between Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 6E?

Put very simply, Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of the Wi-Fi 6 standard. It basically acts as a fast lane for compatible devices applications and devices which leads to faster wireless speeds and lower latency.

But there’s more to it than that!

One main thing to note is that Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible (meaning it works with previous Wi-Fi standards) whereas Wi-Fi 6E does not offer this. But this is part of the reason how it creates that fast lane.

Because Wi-Fi 6E is only compatible with Wi-Fi 6E devices, there tends to be lower levels of congestion and interference within the 6 GHz band, hence helping to optimise performance. Wi-Fi 6E devices are becoming more prevalent.

When did we start using the 6 GHz frequency band?

Back in July 2020, Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, made access to 500MHz of radio spectrum frequency in the new 6GHz band available for home Wi-Fi networks.

This significantly boosted the speed of any indoor home wireless networks exempt from licences via the new Wi-Fi 6 / 6E standard.

The 6GHz band is a higher frequency than the others, which means it has a lower level of coverage than the 5GHz band due to weaker signal. However, the extra spectrum allows more space for data which means faster speeds.

The lower coverage means a more secure connection for homes due to less congestion and competition with other local Wi-Fi signals.

Do we need new infrastructure for Wi-Fi 6E?

As we mentioned above, Wi-Fi 6E is not backward compatible like Wi-Fi 6, so this means that if you want to utilise this Wi-Fi fast lane, you need the relevant devices. So this means that yes, you will need new Wi-Fi infrastructure to use Wi-Fi 6E.

To support this Wi-Fi standard extension, you’ll need your IT team to look at your current wireless infrastructure and identify what will need to be updated. Think routers, switches, access points and other hardware – Then you can take full advantage of the higher speeds of Wi-Fi 6E.

It’s worth noting that when you do upgrade your infrastructure in order to support Wi-Fi 6E, you don’t necessarily need to abandon your existing Wi-Fi 6 devices and applications. You can still use these on the 2.4Ghz and 5GHz frequency bands.

The upgraded devices that can use the 6GHz spectrum will likely help to reduce congestion on these other frequency bands – Providing a better user experience for devices connecting to both 2.5 GHz and 5GHz as well as the Wi-Fi 6E devices on the 6GHz band.

What are the biggest benefits of Wi-Fi 6E?

Strong, reliable Wi-Fi has become business critical. Businesses cannot function without a good Wi-Fi network – A network that needs to adequately serve an entire workforce.

In today’s day and age, this means a workforce with some employees in the office, some working remotely and a mix of both. This hybrid workforce will have a variety of devices and apps that support this way of working. Relying on excellent Wi-Fi!

It’s a data driven world, so your business needs to make sure that the wireless network is secure, reliable, flexible and as fast as possible. Here are the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E that will most help with these business critical Wi-Fi elements.

Wi-Fi 6E and Speed

The 6GHz band allows data to be transmitted rapidly via Wi-Fi 6E devices like smartphones, laptops and wearable devices. THe other great thing is that because it’s not backward compatible, there are none of those slow legacy devices trying to compete for bandwidth.

These advantages with speed mean that streaming high resolution video, teleconferencing and even online gaming make Wi-Fi 6E an ideal choice. It’s perfect for these types of bandwidth-intensive applications. Real world examples are AR/VR and transferring large data files such as MRI images within healthcare.

Wi-Fi 6E and Security

Most businesses and organisations require a secure network. It is mandatory for all Wi-Fi 6E devices to have WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) as specified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. THey ust also not have backward compatibility with WPA2. This increase in security helps to increase the confidence of your network users when moving to the 6GHz frequency band – Especially for those must-trusted connections,

OWE (Opportunisitc Wireless Encryption Specification) is also an option for Wi-Fi 6E. Using OWE means that the communication between a pair of endpoints is protected. The Support for Wi-Fi Enhanced Open certification is given for the 6GHz band, based on the OWE.

What Industries Can Benefit Most from Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E really has the ability to transform any and most industries. The ones that are likely to benefit the most with the most transformative impact include the following sectors:

How Can Wi-Fi 6E Benefit the Healthcare Industry?

We touched on how Wi-Fi 6E could support the transfer of large data files like MRI images. It also helps providers to connect more life-saving devices with fewer data delays and slowdowns. The higher speeds and lack of congestion means higher quality connections with fewer dropouts, making it impactful for telehealth appointments.

How Can Wi-Fi 6E Benefit the Retail Industry?

No one likes to be stuck at the point of sale waiting for the card machine to connect and take the payment. Wi-Fi 6E can help to ensure these connections are faster – Not only reducing customer frustration, but also shortening queues. The better the experience for the customer, the better the image of the brand, leading to regular custom and increased sales.

How Can Wi-Fi 6E Benefit the Education Industry?

Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen how much educational institutions have relied on technology to continue and enhance teaching. Primary Schools up to Universities have immersed themselves in virtual learning which has been carried on even when students have been welcomed back to classrooms. Wi-Fi 6E supports high throughput and concurrent data transmission which makes it ideal for a learning environment.

Let’s not forget that more and more students are using devices and tech as a part of their daily school lessons. Newer devices that can take advantage of the 6GHz band and Wi-Fi 6E benefits, whilst older devices can still access the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands. This results in lighter traffic all round, enhancing wireless connectivity and performance and thus the learning experience.

How Can Wi-Fi 6E Benefit the Manufacturing and Warehouse Industry?

IoT devices and sensors are becoming more and more prevalent in the manufacturing and warehouse industries. An organisation in this sector should seriously consider using Wi-Fi 6E enabled devices so they can take full advantage of this almost interference-free band.

The brilliant thing about this is that you can split your network into two. Employees working in the office checking emails and using the internet for day to day admin can continue to use the 5GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. This leaves the Wi-Fi 6E devices on your manufacturing floor or warehouse free to run efficiently uninterrupted.

This makes Wi-Fi 6E ideal for this industry, helping to meet service level expectations with improved reliability and lower latency.

Wi-Fi 6E Benefits for All

These industries are only a few select ones that are likely to see a huge positive impact from using Wi-Fi 6E. But most businesses and organisations could see improvements in their network by upgrading to this Wi-Fi standard extension.

In conclusion, various industries and businesses in general can benefit from Wi-Fi 6E with the main advantages being:

Higher network speeds
Stronger security
Access to up to 2.5 times more spectrum
A better voice and video experience

Are you considering updating your wireless infrastructure to support Wi-Fi 6E? Why not give the experts a call! Here at Geekabit our Wi-Fi engineers can help support you and your business Wi-Fi network with professional and expert advice and installation.

by admin12th September 2022

5G Hampshire Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi Advice

What is 6GHz Wi-Fi?

Did you know that following the historic decision by USA’s FCC in April 2020 to release 1200 MHz of bandwidth in 6 GHz space for unlicensed use, UK regulators cleared unlicensed wireless usage in the 6 GHz spectrum to give 6GHz WiFi a huge boost back in July 2020.

This regulatory go-ahead enables your router to broadcast over the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. What does this mean in real life terms? Simply, it means there are now a lot more open airwaves that routers can use to broadcast Wi-Fi signals. This in turn means faster, more reliable connections from the next generation of devices.

This is the biggest spectrum addition in over 30 years – In fact, since the FCC cleared the way for Wi-Fi back in 1989. Pretty huge right? It means the space available for routers and other devices have quadruple the amount in this new spectrum. This means a lot more bandwidth for the user and less interference for their devices.

For the past 20 years we’ve had the Wi-Fi Alliance that oversees the implementation of Wi-Fi. This change in the spectrum is the most ‘monumental decision’ during their existence. You’ll be seeing this implementation as Wi-Fi 6E, with more and more enabled devices becoming available.

Will Wi-Fi 6E fix my bad Wi-Fi?

There’s a good chance that spectrum congestion has interfered with your ability to connect to your Wi-Fi network in the past. When there are a lot of devices all trying to connect over the same band of frequencies, some devices will drop out. Have a look at your local area for Wi-Fi networks – If there is a long list, that could be why you’re struggling with a slow connection and less than favourable reliability. This is because there are too many competing signals, which stops your device getting through. It’s hoped that gains in 6GHz performance will last, even when they are more widely used than they are now.

Not only does Wi-Fi 6E offer new airwaves for routers to use, they are also more spacious airwaves that have less overlapping signals which can cause problems on some other Wi-Fi channels.

The new spectrum doesn’t use any of the previous spectrum, yet offers space for up to 7 maximum-capacity Wi-Fi streams which can all be broadcast simultaneously without causing interference with each other.

Here’s the geeky bit… The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, made it possible for home Wi-Fi networks to harness 500MHz of radio spectrum frequency in the new 6GHz band, which will significantly boost the speed of licence-exempt indoor home wireless networks via Wi-Fi 6/6E.

What is 6GHz?

Basically, Wi-Fi works by broadcasting over airwaves that are open for anyone to use. Previously, this was over two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This third band, 6GHz, is quadrupling the available space for traditional Wi-Fi.

What do the numbers mean? 2.4GHz can travel further, but 6GHz travels faster. The main thing however is that the number of airwaves available on the6GHz band is quadruple what has been available before. Exciting stuff!

On a personal ‘how will this affect me’ level, it means that if you live in a block of flats, and you are the first person to get a 6GHz router, then you won’t be competing with anyone for a connection. The great thing is that even as 6GHz routers become more popular, it’s likely that signals will stay faster and stronger than previously as it’s a more spacious spectrum.

Will Wi-Fi 6E be faster?

It’s not quite as straight forward as that, but Wi-Fi 6E will sort of be faster. Theoretically, 6GHz Wi-Fi has the same top speed as 5GHz Wi-Fi. The maximum Wi-Fi 6 standard speed is 9.6 Gbps. Now, you’re not going to actuall get that speed in real life, however having access to the new airwaves could well increase your speed.

The available spectrum at 5GHz means that Wi-Fi signals aren’t as large as they could be. Whereas, it’s thought that routers at 6GHz will broadcast at the current maximum allowable channel size. That in itself, means a faster connection.

These new networks could see smartphone Wi-Fi connections hit 1–2 Gbps. You might be wondering how this compares to 5G – Indeed, these are the speeds expected from millimetre-wave 5G. However, that has very limited availability.

Remember that your internet speeds will also always depend on / be limited by your provider. But it could still be a huge jump for connectivity.

Can I buy Wi-Fi 6 devices?

Here in the UK we started to see Wi-Fi 6 devices creep onto the market in the last year or so, once the Wi-Fi Alliance started offering certification for Wi-Fi 6E. Deployment has been slow and steady, with more Wi-Fi 6 enables devices appearing bit by bit. We’re on course for the next generation of Wi-Fi networks.

Wi-Fi 6E enabled devices are most seen in smartphones and then tablets, with TV’s likely to follow suit. We use our phones for almost everything, so it’s no surprise that it’s this device that will be top of the list for Wi-Fi 6E.

How do I know if a device supports Wi-Fi 6E?

The most widely used Wi-Fi standard on current devices is probably still Wi-Fi 6, the standard previous to Wi-Fi 6E, which you could still see on the box of a new device. This isn’t such a bad thing – It means that the device supports that Wi-Fi standard and offers efficient Wi-Fi performance.

What you should probably start looking out for when buying a new device is Wi-Fi 6E – It’s this one that is extended into the 6GHz band. All devices, like smartphones, tablets, laptops and routers should have backward compatibility – Meaning they will work with any previous Wi-Fi standard to the one that’s stated on the box. This means that you can enjoy available connections even when Wi-Fi 6E isn’t available.

Be aware that even if you buy a Wi-Fi 6E compatible device, you will enjoy the benefits of that when you use it with a Wi-Fi 6E router.

6GHz will become an integral part of Wi-Fi 6 and future generations of Wi-Fi. This means that at some point, you will have to replace your devices with ones that are Wi-Fi 6E compatible to be able to enjoy all the benefits the extra spectrum has to offer.

Due to the Wi-Fi Alliance certification programme, only efficient Wi-Fi 6 devices will be certificated.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the 6GHz spectrum does have some existing licensed users. This means that particularly in outdoor spaces, Wi-Fi will have to work around them. Outside, routers will need to use something called an “automated frequency control” system. This ensure that they don’t interfere with these existing 6GHz users. Because that means less space to broadcast, there could be degradation of overall performance in some areas.

Does Wi-Fi 6E have anything to do with 5G?

We touched on this earlier, but no, they don’t have anything to do with each other really. It just happens that both of these networks are being spoken about a lot, simultaneously. 5G is everywhere, is it not!

We keep saying about Wi-Fi 6E being a new spectrum, but really it’s not new, it’s always been there, it’s just been unlicensed. Now, people can use the 6GHz spectrum without a license in their homes.

This also means that other technologies could try to make use of the 6GHz band, which could in turn take up some of the space that Wi-Fi wants to use. 5G is one of the technologies that could be a rival for the space on the 6GHz band.

There is a possibility that 5G could overlap on the new Wi-Fi 6E spectrum through mobile network carriers. This could in turn lead to interference issues, but it’s a bit early to say. If you’re wondering whether 5G will become dominant and replace Wi-Fi altogether, then we think probably not. There doesn’t need to be a winner or a loser when it comes to Wi-Fi 6E vs 5G – They dont necessarily have to be in competition with one another. The spacious nature of this spectrum means there should be enough room for both.

6GHz Wi-Fi is certainly being revered by the tech industry, so we’re pretty hopeful that Wi-Fi will be the main beneficiary of the newly opened 6GHz spectrum.

by admin26th May 2022