802.11ax vs. 802.11n

Attribute	802.11ax	802.11n
Frequency Band	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Maximum Speed	Up to 10 Gbps	Up to 600 Mbps
Channel Width	20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz	20 MHz, 40 MHz
MIMO Support	Up to 8x8	Up to 4x4
Beamforming	Improved beamforming	Beamforming supported
Modulation	1024-QAM	256-QAM

Introduction

When it comes to wireless networking standards, 802.11ax and 802.11n are two of the most commonly used options. Both standards have their own set of attributes and features that make them suitable for different types of environments and use cases. In this article, we will compare the attributes of 802.11ax and 802.11n to help you understand the differences between the two and make an informed decision when choosing a wireless networking standard.

Speed and Throughput

One of the key differences between 802.11ax and 802.11n is the speed and throughput they offer. 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6, is the latest standard and offers significantly higher speeds compared to 802.11n. With 802.11ax, users can expect speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming 4K video or online gaming. On the other hand, 802.11n offers speeds of up to 600 Mbps, which is still sufficient for most everyday tasks but may not be suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Frequency Bands

Another important difference between 802.11ax and 802.11n is the frequency bands they operate on. 802.11ax operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, allowing for better performance in crowded environments where there are many other wireless devices competing for bandwidth. In contrast, 802.11n only operates on the 2.4 GHz band, which can lead to interference and slower speeds in busy environments. By operating on both frequency bands, 802.11ax is able to provide more reliable and consistent performance compared to 802.11n.

Efficiency and Capacity

802.11ax also offers improved efficiency and capacity compared to 802.11n. One of the key features of 802.11ax is Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), which allows for more efficient use of the wireless spectrum by dividing it into smaller sub-channels. This enables multiple devices to transmit data simultaneously, increasing the overall capacity of the network. In contrast, 802.11n uses a different modulation scheme called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which is less efficient and can lead to slower speeds and lower capacity in comparison to 802.11ax.

Range and Coverage

When it comes to range and coverage, both 802.11ax and 802.11n offer similar performance. Both standards use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology to improve signal strength and coverage, allowing for better performance over longer distances. However, 802.11ax also introduces a new technology called Target Wake Time (TWT), which helps to improve battery life in devices connected to the network by allowing them to schedule when they wake up to transmit data. This can be particularly useful in IoT devices and other battery-powered devices that need to conserve power.

Compatibility and Interoperability

One important factor to consider when choosing between 802.11ax and 802.11n is compatibility and interoperability with existing devices and networks. 802.11n has been around for much longer than 802.11ax and is widely supported by a wide range of devices and networking equipment. This can make it easier to integrate 802.11n into existing networks without the need for costly upgrades or replacements. On the other hand, 802.11ax is a newer standard and may not be as widely supported by older devices and equipment, which could pose challenges when trying to upgrade to the latest standard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both 802.11ax and 802.11n have their own set of attributes and features that make them suitable for different types of environments and use cases. 802.11ax offers higher speeds, better efficiency, and improved capacity compared to 802.11n, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications and crowded environments. However, 802.11n is more widely supported and compatible with existing devices and networks, which can make it a more practical choice for some users. Ultimately, the choice between 802.11ax and 802.11n will depend on your specific needs and requirements, so be sure to carefully consider the attributes of each standard before making a decision.