--- title: Deploying and Migrating to 6GHz Wi-Fi description: Explore the essential considerations for deploying and migrating to 6GHz Wi-Fi. Get ready for the future of networking! image: https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Blogs/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi%20(Instagram%20Post).gif --- [![IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500 (1)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500%20(1).png?width=200&height=59&name=IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500%20(1).png "IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2-pnd-optimised-500 (1)")](https://iptel.com.au) - [Home](https://iptel.com.au/) - [Solutions](https://iptel.com.au/solutions) Technologies - [Cisco Access Manager](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-access-manager) - [Cisco Catalyst Centre](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-catalyst-center) - [Cisco Meraki](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-meraki) - [Cisco SDA Fabric](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/cisco-sda-fabric) - [Industrial IoT](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/industrial-iot) - [LAN](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/lan) - [Security and Cisco ISE](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/security-and-cisco-ise) - [Thousand Eyes](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/thousandeyes) - [Virtualisation](https://iptel.com.au/technologies/virtualisation) - [Wi-Fi](https://iptel.com.au/services/wi-fi-surveys) Services - [Backup Assure](https://iptel.com.au/services/backup-assure) - [Cisco URWB](https://iptel.com.au/services/cisco-urb) - [Cisco Webex Calling](https://iptel.com.au/services/cisco-webex-calling) - [Eco-Friendly Network Refresh](https://iptel.com.au/services/eco-friendly-network-refresh) - [Network Equipment Supply](https://iptel.com.au/services/network-equipment-supply) - [Splunk](https://iptel.com.au/services/splunk) - [Wi-Fi Assurance Review](https://iptel.com.au/services/wi-fi-assurance-review) - [Wi-Fi Surveys](https://iptel.com.au/services/wi-fi-surveys) - [Industries](https://iptel.com.au/industries) Education and Healthcare - [Education and Campuses](https://iptel.com.au/industries/education) - [Healthcare and Clinical](https://iptel.com.au/industries/healthcare) - [Aged Care](https://iptel.com.au/industries/aged-care) Enterprise - [Enterprise Networks](https://iptel.com.au/industries/enterprise) Industrial - [Mining and Camps](https://iptel.com.au/industries/mines) - [Utilities](https://iptel.com.au/industries/utilities) Retail & Warehousing - [Retail](https://iptel.com.au/industries/retail-and-stores) - [Warehousing](https://iptel.com.au/industries/warehousing) Entertainment - [Stadiums](https://iptel.com.au/industries/stadiums) - [Hospitality](https://iptel.com.au/hospitality-and-hotels) - [MSP](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services) Meraki MSP - [Meraki Access and Security](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/meraki-access-and-security) - [Meraki SD Wan](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/meraki-sd-wan) Cisco MSP - [Cisco Secure Access](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/cisco-secure-access) - [Security Service Edge](https://iptel.com.au/manged-services/security-service-edge) FSO MSP - [Full Stack Observability](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/full-stack-observability) Meeting Rooms MSP - [Meeting Rooms as a Service](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services/meeting-rooms-as-a-service) - [Blog](https://blog.iptel.com.au) - [Resources](https://iptel.com.au/resources) Free Resources - [Top Wi-Fi Secrets](https://iptel.com.au/top-8-wi-fi-secrets) - [Cisco SDA Fabric](https://iptel.com.au/the-cios-guide-to-sda-fabric) - [Catalyst Center Enablement](https://iptel.com.au/cisco-catalyst-center-enablement) Assessments - [Cloud AI Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/cloud-ai-assessment) - [Collaboration Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/collaboration-assessment) - [Network Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/network-assessment) - [Security Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/security-assessment) - [Splunk Assessment](https://score.iptel.com.au/splunk-assessment) Tools - [Automating Meraki](https://www.automatingmeraki.com) - [MAC Address Converter](https://iptel.com.au/resources/mac-address-converter) - [MSP Assessment Tool](https://score.iptel.com.au/cisco-managed-services) - [Thousand Eyes Option Tool](https://score.iptel.com.au/thousandeyes) Demos and Design - [Request a Meraki Demo](https://iptel.com.au/free-meraki-demo) - [FREE Meeting Room Design](https://iptel.com.au/schedule-meeting-room-design-session) - [Catalyst Center Enablement](https://iptel.com.au/cisco-catalyst-center-enablement) - [About](https://iptel.com.au/about-us) IPTel Solutions - [About us](https://iptel.com.au/about-us) - [Job Applications](https://careers.iptel.com.au/job-application) - [Privacy Policy](https://iptel.com.au/privacy-policy) - [Careers Blog](https://careers.iptel.com.au) Contact Us - [Contact Us Form](https://iptel.com.au/contact-us) - [Email Us](mailto:sales@iptel.com.au) Customer - [Customer Feedback](https://iptel.com.au/customer-feedback) - [Customer Referral](https://iptel.com.au/customer-referral) - [Terms and Conditions](https://iptel.com.au/terms-and-conditions) News Stories - [IPTel partners for monitoring for Meeting Rooms as a Service](https://www.commsbusiness.co.uk/content/news/highlight-partners-with-iptel-solutions) - [Webex Monitoring with Highlight](https://itbrief.co.uk/story/highlight-iptel-add-webex-monitoring-for-meeting-rooms) - [ITBrief with Meeting Room Monitoring](https://itbrief.com.au/story/highlight-iptel-add-webex-monitoring-for-meeting-rooms) - [Cisco Webex Meeting Rooms Monitoring](https://telconews.co.uk/story/highlight-iptel-add-webex-monitoring-for-meeting-rooms) - [IPTel adopts Highlight](https://itbrief.com.au/story/iptel-adopts-highlight-to-enhance-managed-services) - [Highlight MSP Upgrade](https://datacentre.solutions/news/71753/iptel-solutions-upgrade-with-highlights-service-platform) - [Cisco 360](https://www.crn.com.au/news/2026/networking/aussie-partners-react-cisco-360) - [DP World Transformation](https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/about/case-studies-customer-stories/dp-world.html) - [Cisco Managed Services](https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/1251771/how-partners-can-take-a-leap-of-faith-with-managed-services.html) - [Project Delivery Excellence](https://channellife.com.au/story/cisco-honours-top-nz-partners-cisco-live) - [Great Place to Work](https://greatplacetowork.com.au/companies/iptel-solutions/) - [Wi-Fi Doesn't have to be Unreliable](https://www.techpartner.news/feature/iptel-wi-fi-doesnt-have-to-be-unreliable-494069) Buying from IPTel - [Buying Panels](https://iptel.com.au/professional-supply-panels) - [IPTel Store](https://store.iptel.com.au) - [Request a Quote](https://iptel.com.au/request-a-quote) - [Managed Services](https://iptel.com.au/managed-services-enquiry) Case Studies - [DP World Video](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Case%20Studies/DP%20World_Case_Study.mp4) - [DP World](https://blog.iptel.com.au/dp-world-case-study) - [Backup Assure](https://blog.iptel.com.au/backup-assure-a-disaster-recovery-case-study) - Home [Get in Touch](https://iptel.com.au/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ## Deploying and Migrating to 6GHz Wi-Fi Feb 24, 2026 Wi-Fi continues to evolve at a considerable pace. Few innovations in the Wi-Fi space have been quite as ground-breaking though as the introduction of the 6GHz spectrum in Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E is game changing – but there are some considerations and things you need to know in deploying 6E. [![Deploying and Migrating to 6GHz Wi-Fi](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi.gif?width=1792&height=960&name=Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi.gif)](https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-certified-6) Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are different, with the latter being the standard within which the 6GHz chipsets and bandwidth were made available. With any major shift, such as this one, there are some considerable planning requirements to be aware of and take into account, if you want to get the most from your investment in the latest of Wi-Fi technology. Let’s dive in and take a look! ![Picture1 (6GHz)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi/Picture1%20(6GHz).png?width=602&height=293&name=Picture1%20(6GHz).png) ASSOCIATED BLOG: - [Wi-Fi 7](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-7) - [ACMA 6GHZ Consultation](https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2021-10/radio-local-area-networks-rlans-6-ghz-band-consultation-372021) - [New Technology: Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz Explained](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6e-and-6ghz-explained) - [Why Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E](https://blog.iptel.com.au/why-upgrade-to-wi-fi-6e) --- ### AP Density Its common knowledge that 2.4GHz “transmits further” than 5GHz. I’ve used inverted commas there, [![Wi-fi 6 vs 5G Blog Image](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Wi-Fi%206%20vs%205G/Wi-fi%206%20vs%205G%20Blog%20Image.png?width=200&height=200&name=Wi-fi%206%20vs%205G%20Blog%20Image.png)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6-vs-5g-complementary-technologies)because the real point is that 5GHz is attenuated a lot easier, so blocked more readily by obstacles. The same is true for 6GHz. From my personal experience we have around a 6dB difference between 2.4 and 5GHz and around a 3dB difference between 5 and 6GHz. What does that mean in practical terms? This means you ***may*** want to design 6GHz at a higher AP density than you did for 5GHz. If you have designed for RTLS-5 density, it’s a straight swap to new 6GHz APs. For anything less (RTLS-10 and Voice grade), you need to consider the power of the client you are going to deploy, as well as how mobile it is. Most likely your AP density will increase – but it depends on your use case. ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Wi-Fi 6](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6) - [The Top 8 Secrets to Great Wi-Fi](https://info.iptel.com.au/top-8-wi-fi-secrets) - [Wi-Fi Phone Dropouts](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-phone-dropouts) - [RF Tuning: Tuning your Wi-Fi network](https://blog.iptel.com.au/access-point-power-caps) - [WLAN Surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys) --- ### PoE Power Considerations  The recommended power to deploy for your PoE switching is now 802.3bt (Cisco uPOE). This POE standard delivers 90W of power for the end device, although most will draw less than this (30.5W for example, for the Cisco 9166AP). [![Increasing AP Density - Instagram](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/AP%20Density/Increasing%20AP%20Density%20-%20Instagram.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Increasing%20AP%20Density%20-%20Instagram.jpg)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/increasing-access-point-density)The new APs are using more power – more antennas, external plug devices, sensors, docker containers and so on – so a higher POE switch is required. A quick review of POE standards: - POE (802.3af): 15.4W - POE+ (802.3at Type 2): 30W - POE++ (802.3bt Type 3): 60W - POE++ (802.3bt Type 4): 90W       (Cisco UPOE) ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [How to Review a Wi-Fi Network - Part 1](https://blog.iptel.com.au/how-to-review-a-wifi-installation-part-1) --- ### Security Requirements  Increasing security over the years in wireless networks has been paramount. Historically we had the very insecure WEP encryption (you should ***never*** have this configured on your network!), and we have used WPA2 as the main encryption standard for any years. Wi-Fi 6E moves the needle on security so now WPA3 is now mandatory and required for a Wi-Fi 6E network to be enabled. ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Wi-Fi Surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys) - [Cheapest vs Best Value Design ](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cheapest-vs-best-value-wifi-design) --- ### Wi-fi Design   Designing your RF layout for 6GHz follows roughly the same rules as for 2.4 and 5GHz. Noting the section above on AP density, as the key point though – some things in RF design have changed with 6GHz. One key point here is to ensure you have a tool that can actually design (and measure) 6GHz. We use Ekahau for this and as part of our pre-deployment and post-deployment surveys we have bought new sidekicks that can measure 6GHz – you wouldn’t be able to test and validate your designs otherwise! ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Wi-Fi 6 CIO Briefing](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi6-cio-briefing) - [Wi-Fi and the Cinema Story](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-and-the-cinema-story) --- ### Spectrum Considerations   Different countries are enabling different parts of the spectrum, so 6GHz and the amount of channels [![Not All Channels are the Same (Instagram)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Wi-Fi%20Channel%20Power/Not%20All%20Channels%20are%20the%20Same%20(Instagram).png?width=200&height=200&name=Not%20All%20Channels%20are%20the%20Same%20(Instagram).png)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-channel-power)you can use within the spectrum and not universal. This is likely to change over time, as each country gradually clears the spectrum and allows the legal use of more channels. The good news is that as this happens, the increased number of channels makes is much more viable to have wide channels. With 2.4GHz we really must stick with 20Mz channels (unless you have only one AP), and in 5GHz, the recommendation is generally for 40Mz, with a smattering of 80Mz where you really need them. With 6GHz 80 – 160MHz channels are much more viable – so a very high data rate delivered across your wireless network is a reality. ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Wi-Fi Predictive Survey](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-predictive-design-wifi-heatmaps) --- ### Multigigabit Switching   This channel bonding though does come at a certain price. Your back end wired network needs to be able to cope with all that bandwidth. This is not something new though – we have been recommending the use of multigigabit switching for quite some time – if you want to get the most out of your 6GHz deployment, you will need this. Multigigabit switching goes beyond the traditional 1Gbps interface speed and auto-ranges 2.5/5Gbps, providing for much more throughput for your access point – and connected clients.  ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Zero Trust Architecture](https://blog.iptel.com.au/zero-trust-architecture) - [OpenRoaming](https://blog.iptel.com.au/openroaming) --- ### Catalyst Center Migrations   [![Cisco Meraki APs Square](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Meraki%20Access%20Point/Cisco%20Meraki%20APs%20Square.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Cisco%20Meraki%20APs%20Square.jpg)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/improving-warehouse-wi-fi-experience-tips-and-tricks)When migrating access points from an earlier install to a later one, there’s a handy trick you can use, if you’ve got Cisco Catalyst Center installed. Rather than having to commission new APs afresh, you can use the refresh workflow to replace the AP you are upgrading with the new one you are installing. Note that you must remove the old AP first, so it’s not reachable, before you run the Replace Device Workflow. More details can be found at this link: [Cisco DNA Center User Guide, Release 2.3.3 - Build and Deploy Workflows \[Cisco Catalyst Center\] - Cisco](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/cloud-systems-management/network-automation-and-management/dna-center/2-3-3/user_guide/b_cisco_dna_center_ug_2_3_3/m_dnac_workflows.html#Cisco_Task_in_List_GUI.dita_95db7af2-22b9-4802-bf1a-4302b0dc78c5)  ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [How to Fault find a Wi-Fi Network](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-troubleshooting-how-to-fault-find-a-wi-fi-network) - [Wi-Fi Surveys](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-surveys) --- ### WLAN Considerations   Previously it has been possible to commission up to 16 SSIDs for each of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands - this has now been reduced to 8 SSIDs per AP, although you can configure more overall on the controller and choose which APs to allow a subset of SSIDs to be advertised on. Note that any more than 4 SSIDs on a band starts in impact your throughput, so it would be a wise investment prior to a migration to Wi-Fi 6E to rationalise the number of your SSIDs. The good news is that Cisco ISE is perfectly positioned to help with SSID consolidation.  ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Cisco SD-Access Lab](https://blog.iptel.com.au/cisco-sd-access-lab) - [Deploying Zero Trust Architecture](https://blog.iptel.com.au/zero-trust-deployment) --- ### Deploying and Migrating to 6GHz: Summary  There’s a not to think about with an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E and the 6GHz spectrum. Hopefully this blog has [![Wi-Fi 6E (Instagram)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Why%20you%20Should%20Upgrade%20to%20Wi-Fi%206E/Wi-Fi%206E%20(Instagram).png?width=200&height=200&name=Wi-Fi%206E%20(Instagram).png)](https://blog.iptel.com.au/why-upgrade-to-wi-fi-6e)been of use on your journey. The main aims here are to help you and your team to consider all the factors, so that once you’ve embarked on your upgrade there are no unpleasant surprises. It stands to reason with the newer APs now running more radios and antennas, enabling more throughout that you’ll need more POE power and a better back end wired network to transport all that traffic. Most likely the full capability of Wi-Fi 6E will be realised over the coming years as more spectrum is allocated in each jurisdiction – this will require code upgrades at some future date to enable the extra channels via software on your access points.   ASSOCIATED BLOGS: - [Wi-Fi 6 Key Benefits](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6) - [Wi-Fi Assurance Reviews ](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-assurance-review) - [Wi-Fi Phone Dropouts](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wifi-phone-dropouts) --- ## Wi-Fi 6: Further Reading If you're interested in some further reading on the topic of Wi-Fi 6, we have a [Wi-Fi 6 White Paper from Farpoint group for download](https://info.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6-download). One further note - the approval of spectrum use in Australia is down to the [ACMA](https://www.acma.gov.au/). If the use if the 6GHz spectrum is to occur in Australia, this change will need to be approved.   #### Related Articles ###### [New Technology: Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz Explained](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi-6e-and-6ghz-explained) May 30, 2025 ###### [Why Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E](https://blog.iptel.com.au/why-upgrade-to-wi-fi-6e) Oct 25, 2024 ###### [Wi-Fi 6 CIO Briefing](https://blog.iptel.com.au/wi-fi6-cio-briefing) Apr 17, 2025 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "IPTel Solutions", "url" : "https://blog.iptel.com.au/author/iptel-solutions" }, "dateModified" : "2026-02-24T05:23:03.333Z", "datePublished" : "2026-02-24T05:23:03.000Z", "headline" : "Deploying and Migrating to 6GHz Wi-Fi", "image" : [ "https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/Blogs/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi/Deploying%20and%20Migrating%20to%206GHz%20Wi-Fi%20(Instagram%20Post).gif" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.iptel.com.au/deploying-and-migrating-to-6ghz-wifi", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.iptel.com.au/hubfs/IPTel_Solutions_February2020%20-%20Header%20SiteMap/Images/IPTellogo-byline-2020-dark-v2.png" }, "name" : "IPTel Solutions Pty Ltd" } } ```