What Should Businesses Know About WiFi 6 and the Future of Wireless Technology?
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August 21, 2025
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7 min read
The WiFi 6 technology market is projected to grow from USD 26.76 billion in 2025 to USD 67.37 billion by 2032. This reflects how rapidly organisations are shifting to next-generation wireless solutions. This growth is driven by the growing demand for high-performance networks that can support more devices, higher data volumes, and advanced apps, all within the same physical space.
Offices today are more connected than ever, as they rely on real-time collaboration tools, cloud platforms, smart devices, and remote work setups. Traditional wireless networks are showing their limits under this pressure.
Read on to learn what WiFi 6 offers, how it compares to previous standards, why it matters for future-ready offices, and what role it plays in shaping the next phase of wireless connectivity.
What is WiFi 6 and How It Differs from Previous Generations?
WiFi 6, also called 802.11ax, is the latest generation of wireless connectivity. Unlike earlier upgrades, WiFi 6 is designed for high-density, high-demand environments like business offices and smart buildings.
Previous generations, such as WiFi 5 (802.11ac), focused mainly on increasing speed. WiFi 6 improves not only speed but also how networks perform under heavy load. It uses better resource management and allows devices to connect more efficiently.
Key differences include:
- Higher data capacity to support multiple users and devices at the same time
- Better performance in congested areas such as offices, retail spaces, or warehouses
- Increased battery efficiency for connected devices
- Stronger security protocols like WPA3
- Improved upload speeds, not just downloads
For businesses relying on consistent connectivity, WiFi 6 introduces a stable, secure platform that improves the quality of internet for offices across all departments.
Managing High Device Density in Business Environments
Offices are no longer limited to just desktops and routers. Most businesses now support a wide range of connected devices, including:
- Laptops and mobile phones
- Video conferencing systems
- IoT sensors for lighting, temperature, or access control
- Security cameras and printers
- Collaboration tools and virtual reality headsets
WiFi 6 manages this growing number of devices through two critical technologies:
- Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO): Allows simultaneous data exchange between the router and several devices. Unlike WiFi 5, which only handles downloads this way, WiFi 6 enables both uploads and downloads for multiple users in parallel.
- Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA): Divides each WiFi channel into smaller sub-channels. These can be assigned to different devices at once, which reduces wait time and increases efficiency.
By improving how bandwidth is allocated, WiFi 6 makes the internet for offices more reliable, even during peak hours. Employees experience fewer interruptions and smoother performance in high-demand conditions.
Security Upgrades for Sensitive Office Environments
WiFi 6 introduces mandatory support for WPA3, the latest wireless security protocol. For businesses, this means better protection against unauthorised access and password attacks.
Key improvements with WPA3 include:
- Stronger encryption to protect data even on open or public networks
- Secure key management, which makes it harder for attackers to brute-force passwords
- Individualised data encryption for each user on a shared network
- Protection against dictionary attacks to limit repeated login attempts
Offices that manage confidential information, financial data, intellectual property, or customer records benefit from the enhanced security WiFi 6 provides. As remote access increases, so does the importance of securing each connection.
Improved Efficiency and Power Consumption
WiFi 6 introduces Target Wake Time (TWT), a feature designed to reduce power usage for connected devices. This is particularly important for IoT sensors and portable tools used in offices or factories.
TWT schedules when devices need to wake up and communicate with the network. This reduces unnecessary background activity and extends battery life.
In practical terms:
- Smart devices and sensors operate longer without recharging
- Laptops and mobile devices consume less power during idle periods
- Network congestion is reduced by controlling communication schedules
This feature makes WiFi 6 ideal for organisations with a growing number of battery-powered devices. It also contributes to cost savings and environmental efficiency.
Comparison with 5G and Their Role in Business Networks
WiFi 6 and 5G are often viewed as competitors, but they serve different purposes in a business context.
| Feature | WiFi 6 | 5G |
| Best Use Case | Indoor, local-area connectivity | Outdoor, wide-area and mobility |
| Spectrum | Unlicensed | Licensed (usually needs payment) |
| Setup Cost | Lower for internal networks | Higher due to equipment and licensing |
| Device Compatibility | Widely available | Still expanding |
| Scalability Indoors | High | Lower due to signal penetration |
For most offices in India, WiFi 6 remains the more practical option. It offers scalable performance without spectrum licensing issues. Businesses can deploy internet for offices using WiFi 6 more easily than a full 5G rollout.
Benefits of WiFi 6 for Different Business Sectors
WiFi 6 is not limited to one type of organisation. It offers sector-specific benefits:
Retail
- Enables real-time inventory systems
- Supports connected point-of-sale terminals
- Powers digital signage and customer analytics
Healthcare
- Handles telemedicine and remote diagnostics
- Connects smart monitoring devices for patients
- Ensures low-latency data transfer between devices
Manufacturing
- Supports robotics and automation systems
- Enables sensors to track production in real-time
- Improves wireless coverage across large spaces
Education
- Allows high-bandwidth access for students and staff
- Supports digital classrooms, smart boards, and VR tools
- Provides stable internet for offices inside campuses
Finance and IT
- Boosts secure data transmission for critical applications
- Supports virtual collaboration, trading platforms, and cloud services
- Enhances remote work capabilities without compromising speed or safety
In each case, businesses experience faster, more secure, and more stable wireless access. This makes WiFi 6 a core part of long-term digital strategy.
What Businesses Should Know About Deployment
You do not need to replace your entire network overnight. WiFi 6 can be introduced gradually. It works well with many existing systems and allows for mixed environments. This flexibility makes it easier for businesses to upgrade without major downtime.
However, your infrastructure must be ready. The speed and capacity of WiFi 6 depend on good network planning. Businesses may need to review their access point locations, update routers, and check if their switches can handle higher speeds.
Before upgrading, it is also helpful to perform a site survey. This helps identify coverage gaps and allows your IT team to adjust placement for best results. Proper planning ensures you get the most out of your investment in the internet for offices.
What Comes After WiFi 6?
While WiFi 6 is already a significant improvement, WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 are also being developed. WiFi 6E adds the 6 GHz band to offer more bandwidth, while WiFi 7 promises even higher speeds and lower latency.
But businesses should not wait for WiFi 7 before upgrading. WiFi 6 is mature, supported by most new devices, and already solves many problems related to performance, coverage, and security.
If your business is buying new laptops, phones, or tablets, choosing WiFi 6-capable models now will save time and cost later. You will not need to replace hardware again when your office network is upgraded.
Airtel Office Internet: High-Speed Connectivity for WiFi 6
A high-performance wireless network needs strong internet support. Airtel Office Internet provides high-speed broadband designed specifically for business use.
Highlights include:
- Speeds up to 1 Gbps, ideal for data-heavy operations
- Free static IP, useful for remote access and hosting
- DNS security powered by Cisco for blocking malicious traffic
- Device security from Kaspersky for reducing malware risks
- Landline support and unlimited voice calling
- Zero installation fees and 18% GST claim option
More than 2 lakh businesses already use Airtel Office Internet. It provides reliable internet for offices and supports the performance WiFi 6 demands.
To Sum Up
WiFi 6 addresses the everyday challenges businesses face: slow speeds during peak hours, poor video call quality, and security risks across devices. It improves how the internet for offices performs where it matters, i.e., in real-time collaboration, remote access, and device-heavy environments.
For teams relying on cloud tools, smart infrastructure, or high-density setups, WiFi 6 is not optional anymore. Pairing this with a robust solution like Airtel Office Internet makes sure your connectivity backbone is built for performance, stability, and scale. The future of work is already wireless; WiFi 6 simply brings it within reach today.