Enable Wi-Fi 6 to Improve WLAN Performance

The WLAN performance insight uses the transmission rates for various network and client configurations to predict the data transmission rate when Wi-Fi 6 is enabled on the network and recommends the final optimal Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) configuration settings. The 802.11ax protocol offers significant improvement over the 802.11ac protocol in terms of performance and extended coverage. Wi-Fi 6 is enabled by default on AP-500 series and later models.

To access the WLAN performance recommender, complete the following steps:

  1. Access the Insights page. For more information, see Accessing Insights Page.

  2. Click the Enable WiFi 6 to Improve WLAN Performance tab.

    Figure 1: Enable WiFi 6 to Improve WLAN Performance Insight

You can view the following metrics:

  • Actions—The tile displays the list of WLANs for which you can enable Wi-Fi 6.

  • Average Transmission Rate Change by WLAN—The graph displays the current and projected bi-directional throughput rates in the y-axis and the SSIDs in the x-axis. The percentage at the top is the throughput transmission gain that you can achieve by enabling Wi-Fi 6. You can also hover over the graph to view the current and projected transmission rates.

  • Average Transmission Rate Change by Client Type—The graph displays the current and projected bi-directional throughput rates in the y-axis and the client model or operating systems such as Windows, Mac, or others in the x-axis. The percentage at the top is the throughput transmission gain that you can achieve by enabling Wi-Fi 6. You can also hover over the graph to view the current and projected transmission rates.

  • Feature Contribution—The tile displays a comparative analysis of how various network parameters contribute to the overall performance benefits of enabling Wi-Fi 6 on a particular WLAN compared to its peer networks. The chart quantifies the contribution of each feature in terms of throughput gain in Mbps, allowing the users to identify the key parameters influencing network efficiency.

  • Wi-Fi 6 Non-Compatible Clients—The tile displays the list of clients in the network with potential Wi-Fi 6 incompatibility issues. Click the View button to view the Wi-Fi 6 Potentially Incompatible Clients pop-up window.

    Figure 2: Wi-Fi 6 Potentially Incompatible Clients

    In the Wi-Fi 6 Potentially Incompatible Clients window, you can view the following client details:

    • Name—Displays the name of the client.

    • MAC Address—Displays the MAC address of the client.

    • WLAN—Displays the SSID to which the client is connected.

    • Year—Displays the when the client device was manufactured.

    • Vendor—Displays the name of the vendor.

    • Model/OS—Displays the operating system of the client.