Published: November 2019
While Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is still gaining traction in enterprise and consumer deployments, the wireless industry has already begun charting a new frontier: Wi-Fi 6E. This extension into the 6 GHz spectrum promises to reshape the wireless landscape with broader channels, reduced interference, and capacity improvements critical for the next decade of connected applications.
The 6 GHz spectrum, covering 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, represents a massive opportunity. With over 1,200 MHz of potential spectrum, it dwarfs the combined bandwidth available in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Crucially, this band offers the ability to deploy multiple 160 MHz channels—a key enabler for next-gen applications such as VR, 8K video streaming, and ultra-low latency gaming.
Industry players including the Wi-Fi Alliance, Broadcom, Qualcomm, and Cisco have all backed Wi-Fi 6E. By November 2019, the term “6E” had been introduced to represent 802.11ax operation specifically in the 6 GHz band, distinguishing it from Wi-Fi 6 operating at 2.4 or 5 GHz.
United States: The FCC had proposed the opening of the entire 6 GHz band to unlicensed use in late 2018 and reaffirmed that intent throughout 2019. Chairman Ajit Pai expressed support for unlocking the spectrum, citing economic and innovation benefits. While final approval was pending, significant progress had been made, including a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and a robust comment period with input from major vendors, ISPs, and public interest groups.
Europe: The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) had begun consultations on releasing 480 MHz (5945–6425 MHz) of spectrum for WLAN use. Regulators in the UK, Germany, and France had signaled preliminary interest, with harmonization expected to proceed slowly due to regional coordination requirements.
New Zealand & Australia: New Zealand’s RSM and Australia’s ACMA were actively monitoring developments, though no official allocation decisions had been made by November 2019. However, both regulators had a history of aligning with global spectrum harmonization efforts, especially following decisions by the FCC and CEPT.
The promise of Wi-Fi 6E isn’t just more spectrum—it’s cleaner spectrum. The 6 GHz band, unlike 5 GHz, has no legacy devices. This means all devices entering the band will be Wi-Fi 6 or newer, supporting OFDMA, BSS coloring, TWT, and other features that enhance spectral efficiency and client coordination.
For WLAN engineers, 6 GHz means reduced CCI (co-channel interference), better isolation, and the ability to design ultra-dense environments like stadiums, campuses, and high-density residential units without the channel planning headaches that plague 5 GHz. It also reintroduces the possibility of widespread 80 and 160 MHz channel use—especially important for Wi-Fi-based backhaul and high-bandwidth endpoints.
As of late 2019, Broadcom had announced a suite of Wi-Fi 6E chips, including the BCM4389, claiming support for 160 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band. Qualcomm’s FastConnect platform was also positioned for 6E support, with smartphone integration likely to follow in 2020 models.
The Wi-Fi Alliance stated in October 2019 that certification for Wi-Fi 6E would begin in early 2020, pending regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, several vendors (including Aruba, Cisco, and Extreme Networks) began issuing public statements of intent to support 6 GHz in their next-gen APs as soon as regulations permitted.
Despite momentum, challenges remained. Coexistence with incumbent users (e.g., fixed microwave backhaul and satellite services) required development of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems. Additionally, the availability of 6E APs would depend on chipset supply, device certification, and, critically, regulatory certainty across multiple regions.
Nonetheless, the potential of Wi-Fi 6E was undeniable by late 2019. The technology community understood that spectrum scarcity could no longer be solved with tweaks alone—new clean air was required. And the 6 GHz band represented that fresh opportunity.
Wi-Fi 6E was not yet a reality in November 2019, but it was rapidly approaching. Forward-looking network designers were already preparing for the transition, testing lab-grade gear, evaluating use cases, and watching the regulatory landscape closely. With chipsets announced and regulatory paths forming, the industry was poised for a transformative leap into the 6 GHz era.
Eduardo Wnorowski is a network infrastructure consultant and Director.
With over 24 years of experience in IT and consulting, he designs Wi-Fi environments that scale with modern demands for mobility, security, and visibility.
Connect on Linkedin