Why You Shouldn’t Just Upgrade Your Network to Wi-Fi 6: The Pitfalls of 1:1 Upgrades

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of wireless networking technology, promising faster speeds, greater capacity, and improved efficiency. It’s natural to want to upgrade your network to this new standard, especially as more devices support Wi-Fi 6. However, simply replacing your existing access points (APs) with Wi-Fi 6 models in a one-to-one (1:1) swap may not deliver the performance improvements you expect. In fact, this approach can lead to suboptimal results or even new issues. Here’s why you should think twice before doing a 1:1 upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 and what you should consider instead.

1. Wi-Fi 6’s Capabilities Require Careful Planning

Wi-Fi 6 introduces several advanced features, such as Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Target Wake Time (TWT), and improved MU-MIMO. While these features are designed to enhance network performance, they require careful planning and configuration to work effectively. Simply swapping out your existing APs with Wi-Fi 6 models without considering these factors can lead to underutilization of the technology.

For example, Wi-Fi 6’s OFDMA allows multiple devices to share a single channel simultaneously, but this benefit is most noticeable in high-density environments. If your network isn’t designed to handle dense device populations, you may not see much improvement from Wi-Fi 6’s advanced features.

2. Network Design and Coverage Considerations

When upgrading from older Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), you can’t assume that your existing network design will work seamlessly with Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 APs may have different coverage patterns, meaning that placing new APs in the same locations as your old ones could create coverage gaps or overlapping signals, leading to interference.

Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 introduces support for the 6 GHz band in Wi-Fi 6E, which offers additional spectrum but also shorter range. If your network design doesn’t account for these differences, a 1:1 replacement may result in uneven coverage, particularly in areas with challenging layouts or where walls and obstacles attenuate signals.

3. Device Compatibility and Mixed Networks

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 doesn’t automatically mean that all devices on your network will benefit. Many devices still use older Wi-Fi standards, and a mixed network environment can lead to complications. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to be backward-compatible, but the presence of older devices can limit the effectiveness of features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO.

In a mixed environment, your network may not fully realize the performance gains of Wi-Fi 6, as older devices can still consume significant bandwidth and interfere with the optimized traffic management Wi-Fi 6 provides. A 1:1 upgrade without considering the broader device ecosystem may result in minimal performance improvements and ongoing inefficiencies.

4. Power and Infrastructure Requirements

Wi-Fi 6 APs often require more power than their predecessors to support the additional features and performance enhancements. If your current network infrastructure, such as switches and cabling, isn’t equipped to handle the increased power demands, you may face issues like reduced AP performance or the need for additional investments in Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches.

A 1:1 upgrade that doesn’t take into account the power and infrastructure needs of Wi-Fi 6 can lead to unexpected costs and network performance problems. It’s essential to evaluate whether your existing infrastructure can support Wi-Fi 6 before making the switch.

5. Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 can be a significant investment, and a 1:1 upgrade may not provide the best return on that investment. If your existing network is performing well and your users aren’t experiencing significant issues, the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 might not justify the costs of upgrading.

Instead of automatically upgrading every AP, it may be more cost-effective to selectively deploy Wi-Fi 6 in areas where it can provide the most value, such as high-density locations or places where performance issues are already present. By taking a strategic approach, you can maximize the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 without overspending on unnecessary upgrades.

6. Interference and Channel Planning

Wi-Fi 6 operates on the same 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands as previous Wi-Fi standards, but with the added complexity of more devices and new features. If your network’s channel plan isn’t updated to account for these changes, you could experience increased interference, especially in environments with many overlapping networks.

A 1:1 upgrade without revisiting your channel plan can lead to signal congestion and interference, negating the potential performance improvements of Wi-Fi 6. Proper channel planning is essential to ensure that your network operates efficiently in a Wi-Fi 6 environment.

7. Future-Proofing Considerations

While Wi-Fi 6 offers many improvements, the pace of technology development means that even newer standards, such as Wi-Fi 7, are on the horizon. A 1:1 upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 without considering future needs could leave you with a network that’s quickly outdated.

Before upgrading, consider whether a more comprehensive approach, such as redesigning your network for scalability and future compatibility, might provide better long-term value. This could involve deploying Wi-Fi 6 in key areas now, while planning for future upgrades to newer standards in the coming years.

8. Testing and Optimization

Finally, a successful Wi-Fi 6 deployment requires thorough testing and optimization. Simply swapping out APs without testing their performance in real-world conditions can lead to unexpected issues. Wi-Fi 6’s advanced features require careful configuration to ensure that they’re working as intended.

A 1:1 upgrade without proper testing can result in a network that underperforms or doesn’t meet user expectations. Take the time to test and optimize your network during the upgrade process to ensure that you’re getting the most out of Wi-Fi 6.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 is an exciting prospect, but a 1:1 replacement of your existing APs isn’t the best approach. Wi-Fi 6’s advanced features, different coverage patterns, and infrastructure requirements mean that careful planning and design are essential for a successful upgrade. By taking a strategic approach and considering factors like network design, device compatibility, and future needs, you can ensure that your Wi-Fi 6 deployment delivers the performance improvements you expect without causing new issues.