Wi-Fi goes Wi-Fi 7
The release of the 6 GHz frequency band for Wi-Fi represents the largest and most important expansion of the available frequency spectrum since the introduction of the 5 GHz band around 20 years ago. This expansion is implemented from the Wi-Fi 6E standard onwards.
How will this affect the Wi-Fi in the future?
With the new 6 GHz frequency band and the Wi-Fi 6E standard, ground-breaking improvements in wireless network technology are on the horizon. Important to know: the new frequency band (6 GHz) has nothing to do with the name of the standard (such as Wi-Fi 6, 6E or 7).
What is the 6 GHz frequency band?
The 6 GHz frequency band is a new spectrum that has been released for Wi-Fi. Up to now, Wi-Fi networks have been operated in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range. With the release of the 6 GHz band, an additional 500 MHz of spectrum is now available, practically doubling the available frequency spectrum for Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi 6, 6E & 7
Wi-Fi 6 (or 802.11ax according to the old designations) is only available on 2.4 and 5 GHz.
Meanwhile, the even newer Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standard is on everyone’s lips. Wi-Fi 7 also optimises transmission and allows even higher data rates. The first tests at ETH are already underway.
What does this mean for ETH Zurich?
- New devices (Wi-Fi access points) that support Wi-Fi 7 are already being installed in the largest lecture theatres in preparation for the coming autumn semester.
- At the same time, adjustments will also be made to the SSIDs (labelling of Wi-Fi networks) next summer: eduroam-5 will disappear and eduroam will be used uniformly in all three bands. The SSID eth-6, on the other hand, is new.
