Which Wi-Fi generation is defined by IEEE standard 802.11ax?

Wi-Fi 6 is the consumer name for the wireless networking generation defined by IEEE 802.11ax.

The standard was designed to improve efficiency and performance, especially when many devices share the same wireless network. It introduced or expanded techniques including orthogonal frequency-division multiple access, uplink and downlink multi-user MIMO, and target wake time.

Wi-Fi 6 can operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E extends the same generation into the 6 GHz band, so Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are related but not identical labels.

Wi-Fi generation numbers are marketing names used alongside IEEE technical designations. They make it easier for consumers to compare generations without memorizing standards such as 802.11ax.