Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), as a new generation of mature wireless communication technology, is increasingly being deployed in Industrial IoT (IIoT). Compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 has undergone multiple improvements, making it highly suitable for the demanding requirements of industrial environments. Many industrial IoT gateways now support the Wi-Fi 6 wireless technology standard, bringing more efficient advantages to IIoT applications:

1. Higher Throughput
   Wi-Fi 6 introduces more efficient data encoding and modulation schemes, enabling higher data rates and throughput. This is particularly beneficial in industrial environments that require rapid transmission of large amounts of data, such as large-scale equipment data collection and real-time scene monitoring.
2. Enhanced Communication Capabilities
   Wi-Fi 6 incorporates advanced features such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Basic Service Set (BSS) coloring. These technologies more effectively share available spectrum, reducing congestion and latency when multiple devices connect to Wi-Fi simultaneously, while also mitigating signal interference in industrial environments.
3. Improved Latency
   Low latency is crucial in many IIoT applications, especially those involving control systems and machinery. Wi-Fi 6 reduces latency through the implementation of Target Wake Time (TWT) and Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) improvements. TWT allows devices to schedule wake and communication times, reducing unnecessary waiting periods and saving communication energy consumption.
4. Increased Device Density
   Industrial environments typically have a high density of IoT devices requiring network connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 enhances the ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously (thanks to OFDMA and more efficient scheduling), better managing the large number of connections typical in IIoT deployments.
5. Energy Savings
   Wi-Fi 6 introduces power-saving features, including flexible control of device wake times, placing devices in deeper sleep states when not actively transmitting data. This significantly reduces energy consumption and extends system life.
6. More Reliable Security
   In industrial environments involving sensitive data and critical infrastructure, security is paramount. Wi-Fi 6 includes WPA3 encryption, providing stronger security mechanisms to prevent network intrusions and theft.
7. Extended Range
   Wi-Fi 6’s wireless coverage has significantly improved compared to Wi-Fi 5, with enhanced network stability and interference resistance. This benefits the stable networking of IIoT devices distributed over wide areas.