Wi-Fi 6 Vs Wi-Fi 7 Woman Using VR Glasses

Two men standing at a computer with one engaged with a video game.

A family using internet connected devices in their kitchen.

A person with glasses looking at a computer.

A visualization of data traversing through cables symbolizing an internet network.

A person looking at their phone in front of a building.

A person working remotely with Wi-Fi from their Gateway

A close view of multi-colored fiber optic cables.

A smiling couple looking at their mobile devices.

A person deciding to use WIFI or 5G on his phone

A person working remotely with Wi-Fi from their Gateway.

Person thinking about the difference between a router and a modem

Discover how Wi-Fi 7 improves speed, capacity, and latency over Wi-Fi 6. Learn key differences, benefits, and whether upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 is worth it.

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: Everything You Need to Know

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2025/12/Wi-Fi_6_Vs_Wi-Fi_7_Woman_Using_VR_Glasses.jpg

Home

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: Key Differences, Features, and Should You Upgrade?

The Signal

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2023/05/ntc-tmobile-logo-default-800x520-1.png

T-Mobile Home Internet

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/49dd6d9f19699f0dfbf4019e775a85475f31a1031be7e7a8ff935a7edc35f215?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Aaron Town

Wi-Fi 7 can theoretically reach speeds up to 46 Gbps - nearly five times faster than Wi-Fi 6’s 9.6 Gbps. Real-world speeds will vary based on your devices and network conditions. 

How much faster is Wi-Fi 7 compared to Wi-Fi 6?

MLO allows devices to use multiple frequency bands at once, improving speed, reducing latency, and providing a more stable connection.

What is Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7? 

4K-QAM enables more data to be transmitted per signal, boosting throughput and efficiency - especially useful for 8K video or VR applications.

What does 4K-QAM mean?

Absolutely. Wi-Fi 7 routers are backward-compatible with previous Wi-Fi generations. 

Can I use my old devices with a Wi-Fi 7 router? 

If your current setup is working well, there’s no rush. But if you’re building a new network or want to prepare for the future, Wi-Fi 7 is a strong investment.

Should I upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 if I already have Wi-Fi 6? 

What is Wi-Fi 7? Are Wi-Fi 7 speeds really that fast? This guide breaks down the newest wireless standard and how it will help keep us seamlessly connected.

What Is Wi-Fi 7: Key Features, Real-World Applications, & More!

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2025/08/What-is-Wifi-7.jpg

What is Wi-Fi 7: Unpacking the Newest Wireless Standard 

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/83ece213c4110eee1ab04d0435fde2478ff3d5e963207719cc5ff8f2c0766547?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Rebecca.Beers

Find the best internet speed for streaming, gaming, and working from home. Learn Mbps recommendations to keep your connection fast and reliable.

What Internet Speed Do You Need

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2025/08/Hero_What_Internet_Speed_Do_I_Need_Two_Young_Men_Playing_VideoGames_Online.jpg

What Internet Speed Do I Need?

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5c75a127239ec051c3b9450aad51e56b1ca990041e4136e3d35d97acbb65076d?s=96&d=mm&r=g

See how a MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) network could give you a more reliable home internet connection, and learn how MoCA network adapters work.

What is a MoCA Network?

What Is a MoCA Network? A Guide to Faster, More Reliable Home Internet

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2025/05/Hero_WhatisaMoCANetwork_HomeOffices.png

Do you know the difference between DSL internet, fiber internet, cable internet, and fixed wireless (5G Home Internet)? Here’s a quick breakdown of them all.

DSL Vs. Fiber Vs. Cable Vs. 5G Home Internet

DSL vs. Fiber vs. Cable vs. 5G Home Internet

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2024/10/dsl-vs-fiber.png

What are good download and upload speeds? Get the facts and learn how they play a role in keeping you connected.

Upload Vs. Download Speed: What You Need To Know

Upload vs. Download Speed: What You Need to Know

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2024/10/upload-vs-download.png

What’s a public vs. private IP address? How about static vs. dynamic IP setups? Or IPv4 vs. IPv6 differences? See this helpful guide.

A Guide To Public vs Private & Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses

A Guide to Public vs. Private vs. Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2024/10/ipaddress.png

Discover the different types of fiber optic cables and the benefits of fiber optic internet. Compare fiber connections with other types of home internet.

Fiber Optic Internet Cables: Benefits, Types, and the Right Plan for You

All Things Fiber Optic Internet Cables 

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2024/05/fiber-optic.jpg

Everyone wants the best deals for internet services. But with so many seemingly great internet offers out there, how can you decide? We'll help get you started.

How To Find The Best Deals On Internet Services

How To Find The Best Deals On Internet Service

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2024/05/best-deals-on-internet.jpg

As mentioned earlier, depending on what devices you’re using on a regular basis, finding a plan with the right speeds is important. When reviewing different home internet plans, you’ll mostly be looking for download speeds, since you'll need more bandwidth to download (get information) than to upload (send information). Download speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mpbs) and gigabits per second (Gbps). If you only use Wi-Fi for a little web browsing and connecting a mobile device, a basic plan will work. But if you stream high-def video, love gaming, are constantly on video calls, and/or own a lot of smart devices, your needs will be different. 

Do you have a major need for speed?

Maybe, above all else, you love the freedom of putting your devices exactly where you want them. Or perhaps you just hate the look and feel of jumbled wires and complicated installs. Either way, you may want to step outside of <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/isp/ethernet-cables-lan-cables-home-internet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">old-school wired connections</a>. Let's face it: most new devices are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capable, and fewer and fewer devices even come with wired connections these days. Also, the cords are clumsy, and they severely limit your setup. Lucky, the latest advances in <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/the-difference-between-5g-and-wifi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5G Home Internet and Wi-Fi 6</a> technology give you the option to wirelessly connect to your devices.

Do wired connections make you cringe?

If you live in a big city, or some type of densely populated area, chances are you have a lot of choices, whether it's cable, fiber, or wireless internet providers. But if you live in an extremely rural area, your choices may be limited to satellite, or just <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/what-is-dsl-and-how-does-it-work" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DSL</a> (Digital Subscriber Lines), since DSL utilizes phone lines, which are widely available where other options are not. A quick online check will let you know what's in your area. As for 5G, it continues to roll out to small towns, rural areas, and big cities alike. In fact, 50 million homes nationwide are now eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet— a third of them in rural America, which previously had limited or no access to broadband options.

What services are available in your area?

Traditional wired connections, like cable for example, can be pricey or require lengthy contracts, not to mention certain equipment and service fees. While DSL may be pretty cheap, you're likely getting what you pay for in the form of a slower connection compared to newer technologies. Once you do your homework and know the speeds you need, it's time to compare plans from different providers to find the best fit.

What price are you willing to pay?

Finding the best plan comes down to many things, including your lifestyle, location, budget and overall preferences. The good news is that 5G wireless Home Internet is quickly becoming to go-to option for just about anyone who wants to stay effortlessly connected. T-Mobile, America’s fastest growing 5G <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Home Internet</a> provider, is budget friendly, and it requires no contract or complicated installation. <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check here</a> to see if it's available near you, <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find a plan</a> and then <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">try it out for 15 days</a>. Be sure to see our latest <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/deals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home internet deals</a>, as well.

Are you ready to make your move?

What's the difference between 5G vs. Wi-Fi? Is 5G as good as Wi-Fi? The fact is: both are wireless technologies, but they serve different purposes. Read on.

The Difference Between 5G And Wi-Fi

The Difference Between 5G and Wi-Fi

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2023/11/5g-vs-wifi.jpg

What are the pros and cons of using a gateway vs. router-modem combos that are separate? We'll dive into modems, routers, gateways and beyond.

Pros & Cons of Using a Gateway vs. Router & Modem

Pros &amp; Cons of Using a Gateway vs. Router &amp; Modem

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2024/08/ISP-Issues.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/22f1af01bb7755a0de5ccd799fbb94faa3446a1e6c516e956fd242f93a23dd2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g

James Mathews

If you’ve ever been stuck looking at those two little black boxes and wondering which is which, here's how to tell the difference between a modem vs. router.

The Difference Between Modems and Routers | Router vs Modem

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/_admin/uploads/2023/06/Picture8.jpg

How to Tell the Difference Between Your Modem vs. Router

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ec97ca5db373044097943b06b6147e323a465d136715aceb5af1d7e154f42c10?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Anjula Hettige

Compare

Compare Archives - The Signal

Fiber

Fiber Archives - The Signal

Gateway

Gateway Archives - The Signal

Latency

Latency Archives - The Signal

Modem

Modem Archives - The Signal

Router

Router Archives - The Signal

Security

Security Archives - The Signal

Streaming

Streaming Archives - The Signal

T-Mobile Home Internet Equipment

T-Mobile Home Internet Equipment Archives - The Signal

Technology

Technology Archives - The Signal

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Archives - The Signal

Discover the devices that keep your home connected, from routers and modems to mesh Wi-Fi systems and smart-home accessories. Explore guides that break down how each device works, what features to look for, and how to choose the right equipment for your space. Whether you're upgrading for better speed, wider coverage, or stronger reliability, we’ll help you find the gear that fits your needs. Dive in to build a smarter, more seamless home-internet setup.

Internet Devices

Explore reviews and guides for routers, modems, mesh Wi-Fi systems, and other home-internet devices. Discover the right gear to boost performance, range, and reliability for your setup.

Internet Devices & Gear Guide | The Signal by T-Mobile

Need help with your internet setup, troubleshooting, or service questions? Browse our collection of easy-to-follow guides and support articles covering everything from installation and Wi-Fi setup to connectivity problems and provider comparisons. Whether you’re a first-time user or just tweaking your home network, we’ll walk you through the steps so you stay online with confidence. Dive in and get the help you need to keep your internet running smoothly.

Internet Help

Get step-by-step internet help for setup, Wi-Fi issues, slow speeds, outages, and more. Find clear troubleshooting guides to keep your home network running smoothly.

Internet Help & Troubleshooting Guides | The Signal by T-Mobile

Discover a full suite of resources to help you understand and choose the right internet service - from fiber optics and cable to DSL, satellite, and wireless 5G home internet. Whether you’re comparing technologies, exploring rural-internet options, or learning how to switch providers or stay connected during outages - we’ve got insightful guides and practical tips. Dive in to find the best internet solution for your home or lifestyle.

Explore expert insights on fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, and 5G home internet. Compare providers, understand technologies, and find the best service for your needs.

Internet Service Provider Guide | The Signal by T-Mobile

Discover all things internet-speed related, from the latest technology and home Wi-Fi solutions to essential security protections, provider options, and tips for troubleshooting lag. Explore guides that help you understand how much speed you need and how to optimize performance for streaming, gaming, remote work, and more. Want to elevate your home-internet experience? Check out <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet">T-Mobile Home Internet</a> and explore <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans">plan options</a> - or try <a href="https://fiber.t-mobile.com/">T-Mobile Fiber</a> for ultra-fast, reliable connectivity without the annual contract.

Speed

Find expert guides on internet speed: how much you need for streaming, gaming & remote work, how to test Wi-Fi, and tips to boost your connection.