60 GHz Wi-Fi equipment

60 GHz

— range implemented in the WiGig standard; today it is used only in it, and as the only one. A significant increase in frequency compared to the more common 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz options has a positive effect on the quality of communication. So, with the same theoretical maximum as that of Wi-Fi 6 (10 Gbps), the WiGig standard gives a higher actual data exchange rate, as well as fewer delays and lags; this is especially important in games and some specific tasks. The downside of these advantages is a short communication range: even when using Beamforming (see "Functions and Capabilities"), it does not exceed 10 m in open space, and an obstacle like a wall can become insurmountable for a 60 GHz channel. Therefore, in Wi-Fi equipment, this frequency is found mainly among rather specific devices — access points (including directional ones), which are designed to connect individual network segments in bridge mode (see ibid.). It is this mode of use that is one of the most optimal, given the properties of this range. However, 60 GHz support is also increasingly found in consumer gadgets (smartphones, laptops), so routers are also being released for this frequency.