Wi-Fi Routers: Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E and 7

Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E or 7: what each generation adds

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is mature and does little for crowded homes. Wi-Fi 6 handles many devices at once more efficiently. Wi-Fi 6E adds a clean 6 GHz band, and Wi-Fi 7 adds wider channels and multi-link operation, though each only helps devices that support it. Labels such as AX3000 or BE3600 add the bands together, so they describe the router's total capacity rather than what one phone receives. Check the radio bands listed: tri-band models add a second 5 GHz or a 6 GHz radio.

WAN and LAN ports set the ceiling for wired speed

The WAN port is where the internet enters, and its speed caps your connection: gigabit is fine for most plans, while faster plans need a 2.5G or 10G WAN port. Older Wi-Fi 4 and low-end models have 10/100 ports, which limit wired devices to 100 Mbit/s even when the Wi-Fi is faster. Count the LAN ports and look for a 2.5G one if you have a NAS or fast PC. Four external antennas add placement flexibility, but the radio design matters more.

Questions about Wi-Fi Routers: Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E and 7

Do I need Wi-Fi 7?

Only if your devices have Wi-Fi 7 radios or you plan to buy them soon. Wi-Fi 6 or 6E covers most homes today, and a Wi-Fi 7 router still works with older devices, so choose it as future-proofing rather than a necessity.

Does having more antennas make a router faster?

Not by itself. Antenna count hints at the number of spatial streams, but the chipset, transmit power and firmware matter as much. External antennas can be angled for better coverage, while internal ones give a tidier look.

Can I use a new router with the modem from my internet provider?

Yes. Connect the router's WAN port to the modem. If the provider's box is a combined gateway, set it to bridge or passthrough mode, or you may end up with two routers in a row, which can break port forwarding and some games.