Will wifi 6 router benefit wifi 5 only capable clients?

[dogf]

Hi,
I am using Asus AC3100 (4x4 AC, max 80 MHz). My wifi 6 capable devices communicate with the router at ~2 times faster than wifi 5 only devices. For example:

+ Old Wifi 5 laptops download at 160 mbps. While wifi 6 capable laptops download at >300 mbps. Wifi 6 capable phone also download at >300 mbps (All are 2x2 MIMO, and placed at the same position)
+ PC with Intel AC card can only download at 160 mbps, but replace wifi card with Intel AX200 increases the speed to 330 mbps. Both cards are 2x2.

So Wifi 6 capable devices can really improve connection with Wifi 5 router. The reason could be wifi 6 capable devices has more sophisticated chip which can really help, especially in difficult condition (e.g wall, noise)

My question is: will an AX router (for example AX88U) benefit AC only clients? Pls share your experience.

 

[degrub]

Your limit is in the client device as you have discovered. Radio communication depends on both the AP and the Client radios. There will be some difference, at the same settings, for different radio chipsets, but mostly minor - a few feet here, a dB or two there.

 

[dogf]

The issue is: all laptop and wifi cards I mentioned in example are top wifi 5 devices (Intel ac 8xxx, 9xxx) but all easily beaten by wifi 6 devices, 2 times. Do you think Intel AC9260 inside an Levono Thinkpad T is bad? And in the PC case, the difference is AC9260 vs AX200, everything else remain the same.

Your limit is in the client device as you have discovered. Radio communication depends on both the AP and the Client radios. There will be some difference, at the same settings, for different radio chipsets, but mostly minor - a few feet here, a dB or two there.

 

[Tech9]

A newer home AIO router or AP may increase connection speeds and coverage area not because of newer Wi-Fi standard support, but because of newer and more sensitive radios and eventually better design antennas. This is likely to happen, but not guaranteed.

 

[user114514]

This is mainly because of FEM. FEM will degrade in performance over time, especially in the case of long-term overheating, and become inferior to brand new FEM. In addition, each generation of FEM of the same level can allow higher txpower for each order of MCS, which is the key.

Also, 11ac-era products may not implement all ac optional features, while 11ax products may improve this.