Depending on the type of router you have, you may or may not be able to take advantage of the latest Wi-Fi network standards. The latest versions are Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, although many routers are not yet compatible beyond Wi-Fi 5. But how can you tell whether or not your device supports these newer protocols? We are going to talk to you about some simple steps that you will be able to do.
Having this information may be necessary to know if a device you are going to buy can connect and obtain maximum speed. For example, if you have bought a latest generation mobile phone and it has Wi-Fi 7, know if you will really be able to take advantage of it or not, since your router may not be compatible.
Know if the router has Wi-Fi 6 or 7
If you have an old model, from many years ago, it will not be compatible with these latest standards. On the other hand, if you have recently contracted Internet, and they have given you a new router, it may be compatible with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, but it is a good idea to make sure and carry out this check.
Look at the router box
The first thing you can do is look in the router box. If it is new, if you just bought it or the operator you hired just gave it to you, you may have it on hand. There, visibly, it usually appears if it is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7. In fact, if it has the latter protocol, it will appear as something highlighted.
You could also consult the instruction manual, in case it is not visible on the box. This type of information could come there and thus verify if you have a device that has current protocols or not.
Search the model on the official website
You may not have the router box, but you do know the exact model. In that case, what you can do is go to the manufacturer’s official website and check the specifications of that device there. You will be able to see the protocols it uses, as well as obtain data that you may need for its configuration.
It is important that you go to the official website, as you could find contradictory information on third-party sites. Maybe the data is not correct and you could get a wrong answer, which would not solve your question.
Access settings
You could also enter the router settings. Generally, to access you would have to go to the default gateway, which is usually 192.168.1.1. There you will have to enter the access data and enter the settings, where you will be able to see certain device data, as well as make settings.
Depending on the model, you may easily see the data we mentioned. Maybe you can check whether or not it has Wi-Fi 6 or 7. You would have to access the wireless network section, perhaps in advanced options or move through the menu.
Use an application
Another option is to use a program that allows you to analyze the Wi-Fi, the connection you are using and, in this way, know more details about the router. There you can see if you are using Wi-Fi 6, for example, which would confirm that that device has compatibility with that standard.
There are some specific applications, such as WiFi 6 Checker. It is a program that aims to see if a specific network has Wi-Fi 6 or not.
In short, these are the options you have available to know if your router has Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7. If you doubt whether your device has the latest standards, it is as easy as following the steps we have described.
