Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi · 11 specs
Direct Answer
Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) was ratified in 2021, operating across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Engineered for high-density network efficiency, it introduced Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), bi-directional MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM, and Target Wake Time (TWT), reaching physical rates up to 9.6 Gbps.
Source: IEEE 802.11ax-2021 / Wi-Fi Alliance · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| IEEE Standard | IEEE 802.11ax-2021 |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ratification Year | 2021 |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Max Channel Width | 160 MHz |
| Max Theoretical PHY Rate | 9.6 Gbps |
| Typical Client PHY Rate (2x2) | 2.4 Gbps |
| Modulation Standard | 1024-QAM |
| Multiple Access Technology | OFDMA (Uplink and Downlink) |
| Multi-User MIMO | Bi-directional (DL and UL MU-MIMO up to 8x8) |
| Power Saving Feature | Target Wake Time (TWT) |
High Efficiency (HE) and OFDMA
Unlike previous generations that prioritized peak single-client speed, Wi-Fi 6 (designated 'High Efficiency Wireless' by IEEE) focuses on multi-client capacity in congested environments like airports, stadiums, and offices.
Its hallmark feature is OFDMA (borrowed from cellular LTE/5G), which subdivides channels into hundreds of narrow Resource Units (RUs). This allows an access point to serve up to 74 simultaneous low-latency clients within a single 160 MHz transmission cycle.
BSS Coloring and Target Wake Time
Wi-Fi 6 introduced BSS Coloring, adding a 6-bit numerical tag to frame headers so devices can ignore overlapping transmissions from neighboring networks on the same channel (Spatial Reuse). Target Wake Time (TWT) allows IoT and mobile devices to negotiate scheduled sleep intervals, dramatically extending battery life.