Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 6E: Choosing the Best Grandstream GWN Solution

Grandstream's GWN Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: Choosing the right solution for your deployment

February 11, 2025
Johan Koekemoer
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As demand for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity grows, managed service providers (MSPs) and installers face the challenge of selecting the right solutions for their clients. Grandstream’s GWN series offers advanced Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E Access Points to meet diverse requirements, but understanding the differences in these technologies is crucial. We will analyse Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, focusing on spectrum usage, benefits, drawbacks, and where each is best applied—with specific examples from Grandstream’s GWN product range.

Spectrum usage: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6 operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, offering broad compatibility and significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and capacity compared to earlier Wi-Fi standards. By leveraging technologies such as OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and BSS colouring, Wi-Fi 6 excels in environments with high device density, such as offices or multi-dwelling units.

Wi-Fi 6E, on the other hand, expands upon Wi-Fi 6 by introducing the 6 GHz band. This spectrum provides additional channels, reducing congestion and enabling faster data rates. The 6 GHz band is free from legacy device interference, ensuring cleaner and more reliable connections, particularly in bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing or AR/VR deployments.

Benefits and drawbacks

Feature	Wi-Fi 6	Wi-Fi 6E
Efficiency	OFDMA and MU-MIMO improve performance in dense environments	OFDMA and MU-MIMO, with extra bandwidth for even greater efficiency
Compatibility	Works with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices	Requires Wi-Fi 6E-compatible client devices to use 6 GHz
Spectrum Congestion	Can experience interference in the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands	Less interference due to the additional 6 GHz spectrum
Latency	Improved over Wi-Fi 5 but still subject to congestion	Lower latency due to dedicated 6 GHz spectrum
Range	Longer range due to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands	Shorter range due to 6 GHz spectrum
Cost	More affordable and widely available	Higher cost due to advanced technology

Applications: Where to use Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6 Use cases

Wi-Fi 6 Access Points are ideal for environments where broad device compatibility is a priority, and extreme bandwidth is not necessary. Consider the following scenarios:

Small businesses – offering robust connectivity for devices using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Office spaces – supporting dense environments with multiple users and devices.
Hospitality – providing reliable internet for guests with diverse devices.

Recommended Grandstream products:

GS-GWN7604 – a compact, cost-effective solution for small deployments.
GS-GWN7660ELR – offers long-range capabilities for offices and extended indoor coverage.

Wi-Fi 6E Use cases

Wi-Fi 6E is ideal for high-performance networks requiring low latency and minimal interference. Scenarios include:

Corporate environments – supporting bandwidth-intensive tasks such as video conferencing.
Education campuses – ensuring seamless connectivity for a large number of high-performance devices.
Healthcare – supporting critical applications with minimal latency.
Smart homes – perfect for environments with AR/VR and IoT devices.

Recommended Grandstream products:

GS-GWN7660E and GS-GWN7661E – excellent for medium to large deployments requiring 6 GHz performance.
GS-GWN7662 – advanced features for high-capacity environments.
GS-GWN7664E and GS-GWN7664ELR – ideal for large-scale enterprise deployments with extended coverage.
GS-GWN7665 – a premium choice for environments requiring maximum performance and efficiency.

Choosing the right technology for your clients

When deciding between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, consider factors such as client needs, budget, and deployment environment. While Wi-Fi 6 remains a reliable and cost-effective solution for most use cases, Wi-Fi 6E provides the performance and future-proofing necessary for high-demand applications.

Grandstream’s GWN series offers a wide range of access points tailored to both technologies, ensuring you can meet any client requirement with confidence. Whether it is the affordability of the GS-GWN7604 or the cutting-edge capabilities of the GS-GWN7665, there is a solution designed to maximise network performance and client satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E connect to Wi-Fi 5?

Yes, Wi-Fi 6 Access Points support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and earlier devices. However, Wi-Fi 6E requires client devices that support the 6 GHz band to take full advantage of its capabilities.

Can Wi-Fi 6 and 6E connect to 5G?

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E operate on different frequencies from 5G but can work alongside 5G networks. Devices can switch between Wi-Fi and 5G depending on coverage and performance needs.

Will Wi-Fi 6 and 6E work with older devices?

Yes, Wi-Fi 6 is backwards compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and earlier devices. Wi-Fi 6E requires compatible devices to use the 6 GHz band, but it still supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for older devices.

Which Grandstream Wi-Fi 6E Access Points support mesh networking?

Grandstream’s GS-GWN7664E and GS-GWN7665 support mesh networking, allowing for seamless, high-performance wireless coverage across large deployments.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need the broad compatibility of Wi-Fi 6 or the high-performance benefits of Wi-Fi 6E, Grandstream’s GWN series offers the perfect Access Points for every scenario. By understanding the differences between these technologies, you can make an informed decision to enhance your network performance and reliability.

Ready to upgrade your network deployments with Grandstream’s GWN series? Visit MiRO to explore our range of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E solutions or contact our team for expert advice.