Benefits of Wi-Fi 6E for Industry 4.0
You’re probably familiar with Wi-Fi—it’s everywhere! Like Bluetooth or memory, Wi-Fi has evolved through different generations, each improving speed, efficiency, and capacity. Now, with Wi-Fi 6E, connectivity is reaching new heights, especially in advanced technologies like edge computing. In this blog, we'll break down what makes Wi-Fi 6E unique and why it’s becoming a key player in industries driving automation and real-time data processing.
Wi-Fi Generation Naming Explained
Wi-Fi generations are numbered based on improvements in technology. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Wi-Fi 1-4: These earlier generations are now outdated and slower compared to modern standards.
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Introduced faster speeds and more reliable connections.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): This version added better performance in crowded areas like offices and public spaces, faster speeds, and more efficient data handling.
- Wi-Fi 6E: "E" stands for "Extended," and it brings Wi-Fi 6 technology to a new band, the 6GHz spectrum, allowing for faster speeds, less interference, and more available channels.
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): Released in January 2024, Wi-Fi 7 takes connectivity to new heights with faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and support for 320MHz channels. It introduces multi-link operation (MLO) and is designed for bandwidth-intensive applications like 8K video streaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). It is set to power the next wave of high-performance wireless environments.
Wifi 6 vs Wifi 6E: Key Differences
The main difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E is the frequency band they operate on. While Wi-Fi 6 uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, Wi-Fi 6E adds a new 6GHz band to the mix. This higher frequency band opens up more channels, reducing congestion and providing faster, more reliable connections, especially in crowded areas.
Wi-Fi 6E offers all the same advantages of Wi-Fi 6—like increased speed and capacity—but with the added benefit of more bandwidth. This makes it perfect for advanced applications like edge computing, where low latency and high-speed connections are crucial.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E:
| Feature | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz |
| Available Channels | Limited number of channels in 2.4GHz and 5GHz | More channels available in the 6GHz band |
| Speed | High speeds, but affected by congestion | Faster speeds with less interference |
| Congestion | Prone to congestion in crowded environments | Less congestion due to additional 6GHz band |
| Latency | Lower latency than previous versions | Significantly lower latency, ideal for real-time applications |
| Security | WPA3 encryption for better security | WPA3 required, plus reduced interference and congestion for enhanced security |
| Use Cases | Best for home, offices, and public spaces | Ideal for industrial environments, edge computing, and smart automation |
Benefits of Wi-Fi 6E for Edge Computing
Edge computing brings data processing closer to where the data is being generated—at the “edge” of the network. For this, fast and reliable connections are critical, and that’s where Wi-Fi 6E comes in:
- Higher Speeds: Wi-Fi 6E’s access to the 6GHz spectrum offers faster speeds, reducing latency, and making real-time data processing smoother.
- Low Latency: The additional bandwidth means devices at the edge can send and receive data faster, improving response times for time-sensitive tasks.
- More Devices: Wi-Fi 6E can handle a larger number of connected devices without congestion, making it ideal for environments with many sensors and machines like factories.
- Less Interference: Operating in the 6GHz band reduces interference from other devices, making connections more stable, which is key for critical systems in edge computing environments.
Use Cases of Wi-Fi 6E in Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is all about automation, real-time data, and smart systems, and Wi-Fi 6E is enabling this transformation in a few important ways:
Smart FactoriesFactories that rely on automated systems, robots, and IoT sensors can benefit from Wi-Fi 6E’s speed and reliability. More devices can communicate simultaneously without interruptions.
Autonomous Vehicles
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can use Wi-Fi 6E for low-latency communication, making their movements safer and more precise in a warehouse or factory setting.
Real-Time Data Processing
Wi-Fi 6E allows edge devices like cameras, sensors, and computing systems to send and receive data in real time, which is crucial for predictive maintenance and monitoring in manufacturing.
Remote Monitoring and Control
With faster, more stable connections, Wi-Fi 6E enables remote operators to control industrial equipment with minimal delays, improving efficiency and safety.
C&T's Industrial Computers Compatible with Wi-Fi 6E
C&T Solution offers a range of industrial computing products that are designed to support cutting-edge technologies like Wi-Fi 6E. These systems benefit from enhanced connectivity, lower latency, and increased bandwidth, making them ideal for demanding applications in industrial automation, edge computing, and smart environments.
Contact us to consult with our technical experts.
