Everything you'll need to connect to 6GHz WiFi 6E networks.
How to connect to a 6GHz / WiFi 6E network
The new Wi-Fi 6E 6GHz frequency band supplements, rather than replaces, the preceding frequency bands, the popular 2.4GHz and 5GHz. We must recall that the frequencies available in 2.4GHz were only 83.5MHz, which is insufficient for the enormous number of WiFi networks broadcasting in this frequency band.We had a total of 460MHz accessible in the 5GHz band, but it was not contiguous. Now that we have the complete UNII-5 frequency range that is 500MHz contiguous with the new 6GHz band, we can broadcast up to three channels with a channel width of 160MHz without interference difficulties. This new frequency band gives the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands a break because they are already pretty full. This was necessary if we wanted to keep adding WiFi devices and keep a good wireless speed without interruptions. However, the new 6GHz band has some requirements that we must meet in order for it to work; otherwise, you will be unable to connect to it. Here's what you need and have to configure.
WiFi 6E router or compatible access point
To connect to a 6GHz WiFi 6E network, we need a suitable router or access point. So yeah, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 router, but NETGEAR and TP-Link have equipment ready to sell as well. Thanks to its external antennas, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 router can attain a theoretical speed of 4804Mbps at 160MHz bandwidth. router-supported channel and WiFi 6E use. This speed is only possible with four-antenna, 160MHz WiFi cards. There is no Wi-Fi card with these features, but we can use two routers like the one from ASUS to construct a high-performance mesh network in the new 6GHz band. for optimum wired and wireless performance.
In the EU, just configure as above and add an SSID (wifi network name) and password.
An essential need of the new 6GHz band with WiFi 6E is that the WPA3-Personal authentication method must be used to effectively secure the wireless network, alternatively "Enhanced Open" can be used but leave the WiFi network wide open (without authentication) but with data encryption. In 6GHz networking, only these two authentication methods are available; WPA3-Personal is the way to go. Once the WiFi router (host) or access point is compatible with the new Wi-Fi 6E standard in the new 6GHz band, the following is mandatory on the client side.
Wi-Fi 6E compatible network card
You'll need a WiFi network card compatible that supports the 6GHz band in order to join a 6GHz WiFi network; otherwise, we won't be able to "see" it. The only WiFi network card that supports the Wi-Fi 6E standard is the Intel AX210 or AX211, both of which are identical opposed to the AX211 that is toed to Intel CPUs. This WiFi card features a triple-band, customizable Wi-Fi AX3000. With two MU-MIMO 2T2R antennas and WiFi 6, the 2.4GHz band can achieve 574Mbps. Using MU-MIMO 2T2R antennas, 160MHz channel width, and the WiFi 6 standard, we can attain up to 2,402Mbps on the 5GHz spectrum. With two antennas in MU-MIMO 2T2R configuration, 160MHz channel width, and WiFi 6E standard, we theoretically can reach 2,402Mbps in the 6GHz frequency range.Most new premium motebroards have this WIFI adapter installed, however the Wi-Fi card is available for 30 to 50 euros, making it a cost-effective option to boost the WiFi functionality of your PC or even upgrade in a laptop. The new Wi-Fi 6E standard is also compatible with some smartphones and tablets having Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or above processors. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, S22 Plus, and Ultra, as well as Xiaomi, OPPO, and other mobile devices with Snapdragon 888 or later, are compatible.
Drivers
Installing the Intel AX210 Wi-Fi network card on our computer necessitates the most recent Intel drivers to prevent any issues. In the early stages of this review we encountered many connectivity issues with Wi-Fi 6E networks or be unable to detect 6GHz wireless networks. In February 2022, the most recent Intel drivers for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are version 22.110.1 or later. Verify the installed drivers for the Intel AX210 WiFi network card if you intend to acquire or already possess it.
OS
During our tests of Wi-Fi wireless performance at 6GHz, we discovered that having the Intel AX210 card and updated drivers loaded on the PC is insufficient; the operating system must also be compatible with this new frequency range. Even the most recent Intel drivers and the AX210 network card, Windows 10 Pro cannot connect to 6GHz wireless networks. Even with all network card options enabled and the registry key defined, Windows is unable to recognize these networks. To see and connect to Wi-Fi networks with Windows 10 Professional, you must install the most recent "Insider" version.The Windows 11 operating system currently is fully compatible with the new 6GHz band; all that is required is the installation of updated Intel drivers, and everything will function properly from the start. We used this OS to conduct performance tests on the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000. Here's a tip, update Windows 11 including all latest patches. Go to the device manager, remove the WIFI card incl drivers, hit refresh en enforce a fresh installation of the network card with the latest drivers you can (automatically get). Windows 11 is compatible at this time, there's no need for an insider's build anymore. This new wireless standard is compatible with other operating systems, including Linux and macOS, but you'll need a compatible card and drivers. Due to the fact that we only tested with Windows, we do not know if these operating systems have any unique requirements. Since Linux is the first operating system to receive security and network performance improvements, it should be good. Using the new 6GHz spectrum with Wi-Fi 6E has various needs, as demonstrated. If we do not meet all of the requirements, we will be unable to connect to the 6GHz network.
