[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/beginners-guide-to-wifi-6#maincontent) [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/) 1. [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) [Internet HelpCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) # A Beginner's Guide to Wi-Fi 6 Published: April 1, 2024 |5 min read From our smart TVs, appliances and printers-to our game consoles, tablets, home assistants and beyond-we love to [stay connected](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices). So, it's no surprise that the U.S. has the greatest number of smart homes in the world, about 41.3 million1, making the need for [home connectivity and speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/got-need-for-faster-internet-speed) greater than ever before.  #### Jump to a Section^ 1. [What is Wi-Fi 6?](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [Which devices are compatible with Wi-Fi 6?](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [What about Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7?](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) - Share "A Beginner's Guide to Wi-Fi 6" on X - Share "A Beginner's Guide to Wi-Fi 6" on Facebook - Share "A Beginner's Guide to Wi-Fi 6" on LinkedIn By now, you may have heard a little bit about Wi-Fi 6-which is an advanced generation of wireless technology-and how it will impact how we stay connected to all of these devices. ¿Qué es wifi 6 exactamente? ¿En qué se diferencia de las versiones anteriores de wifi? ¿Cómo afectará las velocidades? ¿Y qué dispositivos son compatibles? We'll take a deeper dive into all things Wi-Fi 6 so you can get a better understanding of how it plays a role now and in the future of wireless connectivity. ## __What is Wi-Fi?__ [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-wifi), as you probably know, is simply a wireless internet connection. At home, in order to get Wi-Fi, your modem receives data and is connected to your wireless router, which conveys a Wi-Fi signal through the air to all the connected devices on your home network (or you may have a [modem/router combo called a gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/pros-and-cons-of-using-a-gateway-vs-router-and-modem)). Wi-Fi is different from wired connections that bypass your router and connect devices directly to your modem via an ethernet cable, for example. ## __What is Wi-Fi 6?__ Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation of Wi-Fi technology after Wi-Fi 5. El propósito básico es el mismo: mantenerte conectado a Internet de forma inalámbrica. Pero esta tecnología pretende hacerlo mejor que las generaciones anteriores. Piénsalo: cuando la mayoría de los hogares adoptaron por primera vez una conexión wifi, esta solo admitía tal vez uno o dos dispositivos. Thanks to the internet of things (IoT), which includes devices like smart washers/dryers, doorbells, garage door openers and security systems, just to name a few, the average American home has about 21 connected gadgets2. Trying to use old versions of Wi-Fi would cause problems since each of these devices takes up [bandwidth](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-bandwidth). Sin embargo, wifi 6 está diseñado para soportar mayores volúmenes de tráfico. In other words: when a bunch of devices are connected, like smart appliances, TVs, home assistants, computers, gaming consoles, and so on-Wi-Fi 6 should be able to handle it all better than previous generations of Wi-Fi. ### __Which devices are compatible with Wi-Fi 6?__ Most new devices already have compatibility with Wi-Fi 6, including today's [iPhones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/apple), [Samsung devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/samsung) and [Google phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/google), as well as an array of [tablets](https://www.t-mobile.com/tablets), laptops, routers, [hotspots and beyond](https://www.t-mobile.com/hotspots-iot-connected-devices). But even if your current Wi-Fi devices are *not* compatible with Wi-Fi 6, they're likely *backwards compatible*, meaning they'll still work just like always. Sin embargo, para aprovechar todas las ventajas de wifi 6, necesitarás un dispositivo compatible con esta tecnología inalámbrica. For instance, T-Mobile's Home Internet [5G Gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-5g-gateway) already does and you get it included when you sign up for Home Internet service (which we'll get to later). ### __What about Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7?__ Just when you're starting to understand Wi-Fi 6, suddenly Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are gaining traction. No te preocupes. En estos momentos, wifi 6 sigue siendo el estándar más disponible, y ofrece una sólida mejora a la hora de mantener conectados muchos dispositivos. But here's a quick look at what's ahead: - __Wi-Fi 6E__. While devices with Wi-Fi 6 utilize the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrums, Wi-Fi 6E has access to those, *as well as* *6GHz*, which in theory should [speed things up](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed). Suena bien, ¿no? Bueno, en el futuro eso puede ser efectivo para mantenerte bien conectado. Pero por muchas razones técnicas que no vamos a tratar aquí, los enrutadores y puntos de acceso 6E no suponen una gran mejora respecto a la tecnología wifi 6. Plus, while Wi-Fi 6E is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 6, it may not offer backward compatibility to any *earlier* versions, like Wi-Fi 5. In other words: unless you happen to have a device (laptop, smartphone, tablet, router, etc.) that's already Wi-Fi 6E-ready, you may be shelling out extra to upgrade to a new device for technology that may not be that much better yet3,4. - __Wi-Fi 7__. Like Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 uses the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, *and* 6GHz bands but, with even more advanced features. Sí, se dice que ofrece incluso más ancho de banda potencial que wifi 6E y así será. Pero por ahora, solo un puñado de nuevos dispositivos (bastante costosos) son compatibles con wifi 7. So, upgrading today may be premature and expensive5, 6. T-Mobile, America's fastest growing [Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) provider, utilizes a wireless [5G gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/t-mobile-gateway) that works in tandem with Wi-Fi 6 and is compatible with T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network. En este momento, más de 50 millones de hogares son elegibles para Internet 5G residencial de T-Mobile. You can check to [see if it's available](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) in your area now. If it is, [take a 15-day test drive](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) to see if it works for you. Sources: - [https://www.statista.com/chart/22233/us-households-with-smart-applications-dmo/](https://www.statista.com/chart/22233/us-households-with-smart-applications-dmo/) - [https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/telecommunications/connectivity-mobile-trends-survey/2023/connectivity-mobile-trends-survey-full-report.html](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/telecommunications/connectivity-mobile-trends-survey/2023/connectivity-mobile-trends-survey-full-report.html) - [https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-397829A1.pdf](https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-397829A1.pdf) - [https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-wi-fi-6e](https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-wi-fi-6e) - [https://www.laptopmag.com/features/wi-fi-6e-vs-wi-fi-6-whats-the-difference](https://www.laptopmag.com/features/wi-fi-6e-vs-wi-fi-6-whats-the-difference#:~:text=If%20you%20need%20a%20new,Fi%205%20or%20earlier%20standards) - [https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/routers-broadband/wi-fi-7-set-for-full-certification-in-early-2024-heres-what-it-means-for-you](https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/routers-broadband/wi-fi-7-set-for-full-certification-in-early-2024-heres-what-it-means-for-you) Additional Sources: - [https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/wi-fi-6-market-12822](https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/wi-fi-6-market-12822) - [https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints](https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-2BU4M9OP&ct=221128&st=sb) - [https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/press-releases/connectivity-and-mobile-trends.html](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/press-releases/connectivity-and-mobile-trends.html) - [https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-revs-up-millimeter-wave-with-5g-standalone](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-revs-up-millimeter-wave-with-5g-standalone) - [https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/internet-connection-types/](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/internet-connection-types/) - [https://www.theverge.com/23902812/wi-fi-7-explained](https://www.theverge.com/23902812/wi-fi-7-explained) - [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deloitte-the-connected-consumer-paradox---desire-for-fewer-devices-vs-more-virtual-experiences-and-technology-innovation-301919928.html](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deloitte-the-connected-consumer-paradox---desire-for-fewer-devices-vs-more-virtual-experiences-and-technology-innovation-301919928.html#:~:text=Households%20have%20an%20average%20of,during%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic.) - [https://dongknows.com/wi-fi-7-explained/](https://dongknows.com/wi-fi-7-explained/#:~:text=In%20many%20ways%2C%20Wi%2DFi,GHz%2C%205GHz%2C%20and%206GHz.) Tags - [Gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/gateway) - [T-Mobile Home Internet Equipment](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/t-mobile-home-internet-equipment) - [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/wi-fi) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/100-mbps-300-mbps-internet-speed) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/100-mbps-300-mbps-internet-speed) [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) ## [100 and 300 Mbps Internet Speed: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/100-mbps-300-mbps-internet-speed) July 17, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/5g-home-internet-vs-mobile-hotspot-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/5g-home-internet-vs-mobile-hotspot-moving) [Internet Connection](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-connection) ## [5G Home Internet vs. Hotspot: What's Best for Home Internet When You Move?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/5g-home-internet-vs-mobile-hotspot-moving) May 6, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/self-install-internet) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/self-install-internet) [Internet Connection](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-connection) ## [Self-Install Internet: What It Is, How It Works, and Key Benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/self-install-internet) June 16, 2026 ### Find out if your home address is eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. 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