WiFi 6 icon is on my Samsung S21 BUT Orbi RBRE960 Attached Devices shows Connection Type as 5G

[Elwood_85]

None of the other devices attached show 6G even though they are newer devices that are WiFi 6 capable.

The Orbi only shows 2.4G and 5G but no 6G . Should there be a 6G icon in Attached Devices Connection Type?

I am not running any Satellites just one Orbi RBRE960, residential single family home Firmware Version
V6.3.7.5_3.2.25

Your help is appreciated

Please see attachment 

[Mikey94025 · Accepted solution]

You're confusing wi-fi 6 (which is still 5Ghz) and wi-fi 6e (which uses 6Ghz and the separate radio in your RBRE960).  From https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/wi-fi-6-vs-wi-fi-6e-whats-the-difference:

1.  Wi-Fi 6 can send and receive data over both the 2.4- and 5-gigahertz (GHz) bands (Wi-Fi 5 is 5-GHz only) and can move even more data by running a single ultra-wide 160-megahertz (MHz) channel on its 5-GHz band.

2. Wi-Fi 6e added more than a gigahertz of fresh electromagnetic spectrum space in the U.S., ranging from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz... This additional block of spectrum, generally referred as the 6-GHz band

The Android screenshot just indicates Wi-Fi 6, not 6e.  From https://www.androidauthority.com/wi-fi-6-910014/ : If you see a number 6 alongside the Wi-Fi symbol, it means that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi 6-capable router.

[CrimpOn]

The WiFi Alliance did no one any favors by creating such confusing names.

WiFi6 refers to an improvement over WiFi5 for devices using the 5G Frequency WiFi spectrum

WiFi6E refers to to use of the 6GHz Frequency WiFi spectrum

Devices labeled WiFi6 are built to use 5G.

[CrimpOn]

Is your Samsung S21 the "Ultra"?

https://www.techietech.tech/wifi-6e-compatible-smartphones/#1_Samsung_Galaxy_S21_Ultra 

[Elwood_85]

Just so I understand better, in Attached Devices -> Connection Type I will only see Wired, 2.4G and 5G icons but no 6G icon even if devices I have are WiFi 6E capable like my Samsung S21 is and my daughter's new iPhone are 6E capable?

Thank you CrimpOn

[CrimpOn]

This article from last October does not list any Apple iPhones:

https://www.techietech.tech/wifi-6e-compatible-smartphones/ 

[Elwood_85]

No. mine is the Galaxy S21 5G (Sprint) and according to Samsung Specs are Wi-Fi Connectivity
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4G+5GHz, HE80, MIMO, 1024-QAM  With 802.11ax being 6E   right?

Thanks again CrimpOn

[FURRYe38]

2.4G+5GHz this doesn't include 6Ghz so the phone does not support 6Ghz. AX is a wifi MODE not a FREQUENCY, a mode that is seen on 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz AND 6Ghz. 

[Elwood_85]

I understand what you are saying but did you see the attachment in my original post? The white WiFi 6 icon (black background) is a screenshot taken directly from my Samsung S21 5G Model SMG991-U
I really appreciate your help Thanks

[Mikey94025 · Accepted solution]

You're confusing wi-fi 6 (which is still 5Ghz) and wi-fi 6e (which uses 6Ghz and the separate radio in your RBRE960).  From https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/wi-fi-6-vs-wi-fi-6e-whats-the-difference:

1.  Wi-Fi 6 can send and receive data over both the 2.4- and 5-gigahertz (GHz) bands (Wi-Fi 5 is 5-GHz only) and can move even more data by running a single ultra-wide 160-megahertz (MHz) channel on its 5-GHz band.

2. Wi-Fi 6e added more than a gigahertz of fresh electromagnetic spectrum space in the U.S., ranging from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz... This additional block of spectrum, generally referred as the 6-GHz band

The Android screenshot just indicates Wi-Fi 6, not 6e.  From https://www.androidauthority.com/wi-fi-6-910014/ : If you see a number 6 alongside the Wi-Fi symbol, it means that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi 6-capable router.

[Elwood_85]

Ok. NOW i get it. Wow. I am certain a lot of Android users are going to think that they are on WiFi 6 because of that icon. Kinda seems like false advertising to me.

I did a experiment a few minutes ago. I turned on the 6GHz only radio in my Orbi and had the password different from the 5GHz. I then disconnected my Samsung S21 from Orbi 5GHz and refreshed available networks on my phone and my Samsung S21 did NOT see the 6GHz Orbi network at all.

I really appreciate CrimpOn, FURRYe38 and you Mikey94025. Thank you for explaining this in a way that I could understand.

[FURRYe38]

Glad we got that ironed out.

Enjoy now. 😉