802.11ad vs. 802.11ax

Attribute	802.11ad	802.11ax
Frequency Band	60 GHz	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Maximum Data Rate	7 Gbps	10 Gbps
Range	Short	Long
Modulation	OFDM	OFDMA
Channel Width	2.16 GHz	20/40/80/160 MHz

Introduction

When it comes to wireless networking standards, there are several options available to consumers and businesses. Two popular standards that are often compared are 802.11ad and 802.11ax. Both standards offer unique features and capabilities that cater to different needs and requirements. In this article, we will explore the attributes of 802.11ad and 802.11ax to help you understand the differences between the two.

802.11ad

802.11ad, also known as WiGig, operates on the 60 GHz frequency band and offers extremely high data rates of up to 7 Gbps. This makes it ideal for applications that require high bandwidth, such as streaming 4K video or virtual reality gaming. One of the key features of 802.11ad is its use of beamforming technology, which allows for more efficient data transmission by focusing the signal towards the intended receiver.

Another advantage of 802.11ad is its ability to support multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), which enables multiple devices to communicate with the router simultaneously. This can help improve network efficiency and reduce latency, especially in crowded environments with multiple connected devices. However, one limitation of 802.11ad is its shorter range compared to other Wi-Fi standards, as the 60 GHz frequency band is more susceptible to interference and has difficulty penetrating walls and obstacles.

802.11ax

802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6, is the latest wireless networking standard that aims to improve network performance in high-density environments. One of the key features of 802.11ax is its use of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which allows for more efficient data transmission by dividing the channel into smaller sub-channels. This can help reduce latency and improve network capacity, especially in areas with a large number of connected devices.

802.11ax also introduces the concept of Target Wake Time (TWT), which allows devices to schedule when they will wake up and communicate with the router. This can help improve battery life for connected devices, such as smartphones and IoT devices, by reducing the amount of time they spend actively transmitting data. Additionally, 802.11ax supports 1024-QAM modulation, which allows for higher data rates compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.

Comparison

• Data Rate: 802.11ad offers higher data rates of up to 7 Gbps, while 802.11ax supports lower data rates but is more efficient in high-density environments.
• Frequency Band: 802.11ad operates on the 60 GHz frequency band, which provides high bandwidth but shorter range, while 802.11ax operates on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for better coverage and penetration.
• Beamforming: Both standards support beamforming technology for more efficient data transmission, but 802.11ad may have an edge due to its higher frequency band.
• MU-MIMO: Both standards support MU-MIMO for improved network efficiency, but 802.11ax may offer better performance in crowded environments with multiple devices.
• Range: 802.11ax offers better range and coverage compared to 802.11ad, making it more suitable for larger homes or office spaces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both 802.11ad and 802.11ax have their own strengths and weaknesses that cater to different networking needs. 802.11ad is ideal for applications that require high bandwidth and low latency, while 802.11ax is better suited for high-density environments with multiple connected devices. Ultimately, the choice between the two standards will depend on your specific requirements and the environment in which the network will be deployed. It is important to consider factors such as data rate, frequency band, range, and network efficiency when selecting the most suitable wireless networking standard for your needs.