August 28, 2023 What is the difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 5? WiFi 6 operates in both the 2.4 and 5GHz bands and features improvements in throughput, multiple-device support, and WiFi spectrum efficiency. WiFi 6 also increases the number of devices that can connect and simultaneously benefit from high-speed wireless networks. Published year WiFi WiFi standard Frequency band 1997 1st generation IEEE 802.11 (WiFi 1) 2.4GHz 1999 2nd generation IEEE 802.11a/b (WiFi 2) 5GHz / 2.4GHz 2003 3rd generation IEEE 802.11g (WiFi 3) 2.4GHz 2009 4th generation IEEE 802.11n (WiFi 4) 2.4GHz or 5GHz 2013 5th generation IEEE 802.11ac (WiFi 5) 5GHz 2019 6th generation IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi 6) 2.4GHz or 5GHz Share on Facebook Opens in a new window. Tweet on Twitter Opens in a new window. Pin on Pinterest Opens in a new window. Back to blog