Routers have come a long way since we started using multiple wireless devices in our homes. They've undergone changes to improve connections to deliver the highest throughput with the least amount of noise, providing stable internet connections to the multitude of things that depend on this sort of thing. However, there has always been room for improvement when it comes to these types of devices and what they are capable of delivering in real-world environments. This is where 802.11ax comes in. We want to cut through the hype and provide some details on how this is a game-changer, providing cold, hard facts about the technology we might expect to see in routers as early as mid-2018. P>
The 802.11ax standard capitalizes on an improvement in network technology brought about by the advent of LTE. Using what's called "orthogonal frequency division multiple access" (ODMFA), it can stream to huge numbers of users at the same time without losing any throughput. It does this by dividing its frequency ranges into several small sub-channels, each capable of handling a handful of users.
This is an improvement over the multiple-input, multiple-output (MU-MIMO) multi-user model used since the release of 802.11ac. The standard allowed up to four clients to use one access point simultaneously, forcing stadiums and large venues to find complicated ways to overcome congestion, such as setting up an army of routers to handle everything. traffic.
802.11ax will allow coverage over larger areas and more sensitive network configurations in crowded places.
It also enables higher bandwidth communication between devices and their routers. Under optimal conditions, a single 802.11ax stream will peak at 3.5 gigabits per second, which far exceeds the older standard's maximum speed of 866 Mbps.
Unless you're the type of person who spends a lot of time (and money) researching the latest tech just for fun, you're probably wondering if you really need a router like this in your home. or in the office.
The truth is, in most cases, you're better off sticking with 802.11ac or whatever you have right now, as long as it works well and works as it should. This is especially true if you have a router capable of delivering the full speed of your home's Internet connection.
If you own a stadium, on the other hand, you might want to look into this technology.
Want to get a router with 802.11ax capability? Tell us why in the comments!
