Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5: Is it Worth the Upgrade for Enterprise Networks in 2025?

By 2025, the debate between Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) will no longer be just about raw speeds—it will be about the survival of networks in a high-density world.

For system integrators, internet service providers, and project managers, the question we hear most often at Toda isn’t just “How fast is the router?”, but rather, “Can this setup handle 500 users in a hotel lobby without crashing?”

If your customers are still relying on traditional Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure, they are likely facing bottlenecks that simple bandwidth upgrades cannot resolve. Here is an objective analysis for enterprise buyers: Is upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 truly necessary for your next batch of products?

toda wifi6

The core issue: congestion, not just speed.


In the era of Wi-Fi 5, speed was the primary marketing metric. But today, the number of connected devices in a typical office, hotel, or warehouse has tripled. Smartphones, laptops, IoT sensors, and smart IP cameras are all vying for network bandwidth.

Wi-Fi 5 works like a single-aisle checkout in a supermarket: customers (data packets) must wait in line one by one. If one user is watching 4K video, all other users will experience delays.

Wi-Fi 6 changed the rules with OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access).

You can think of OFDMA as opening ten payment gateways simultaneously. It allows a router to serve multiple devices within a single transmission window.

For your B2B customers, this means:

Reduce latency: This is crucial for VoIP calls and video conferencing in busy offices.

Higher capacity: crucial for hotels, stadiums, and shopping malls where user density is difficult to predict.

Real-world business scenarios: The advantages of Wi-Fi 6
Toda provides network equipment for projects worldwide. Based on partner feedback, this upgrade will deliver the greatest economic benefits in the following areas:

1. Smart warehouses and industrial parks
Modern logistics relies on handheld computers, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and barcode scanners. In these environments with high metal content, Wi-Fi 5 is frequently subject to interference.

Toda Solution: Our Wi-Fi 6 outdoor APs feature a clearer signal path and Target Wake Time (TWT) technology. TWT technology allows IoT devices to enter a “sleep” state when not transmitting data, extending the battery life of handheld scanners by up to 30%.

2. Hotels and dormitories
By 2025, guests will bring an average of three devices each. A hotel with 100 rooms will no longer serve 100 devices, but rather more than 300 devices.

Toda Solution: Deploying Toda ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi 6 APs with our AC controller ensures seamless roaming. Guests can move from the lobby to their rooms without interrupting video calls.

3. Company Headquarters
With the rise of high-definition video conferencing, network loads are heavier than ever before. Wi-Fi 6′s “BSS Color” technology minimizes interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks—a huge advantage in crowded office buildings.

Don’t forget the switch: the hidden bottleneck


Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 is more than just changing access points. It’s a crucial upselling point for distributors and wholesalers.

Wi-Fi 6 access points have very fast data processing speeds, which may overwhelm older gigabit switches. In addition, high-performance Wi-Fi 6 radio modules also consume slightly more power.

Recommendation: When recommending Wi-Fi 6 access points to customers, be sure to bundle them with Toda’s PoE+ switches. Standard PoE (802.3af) may no longer meet their needs; PoE+ (802.3at) is the new standard for stability and power delivery.

Final conclusion: Was it worth it?
Yes.

Continuing to install Wi-Fi 5 in new projects in 2025 is essentially investing in outdated technology. While the initial cost of Wi-Fi 5 hardware is lower, the maintenance costs, including user complaints, connection interruptions, and eventual replacements, are actually higher in the long run.

Why choose Toda’s Wi-Fi 6?

 

We sell more than just set-top boxes; we sell stability. From selecting enterprise-grade chipsets to rigorous thermal and load testing, Toda is committed to ensuring the safety and security of your brand reputation.

Whether you need to customize OEM solutions for local internet service providers or prepare off-the-shelf solutions for large projects, we have the infrastructure to support you.

Ready to upgrade your product portfolio?

Contact the Toda team today to get our 2025 Wi-Fi 6 product catalog and exclusive B2B price list. Let’s build a durable network together.


Post time: Nov-24-2025