But Wi-Fi AX is just the Future?
As technology advances, homeowners often face the challenge of choosing between well-established and cutting-edge solutions. When it comes to wireless networking, this debate often boils down to Wi-Fi AC (802.11ac) versus Wi-Fi AX (802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6). While Wi-Fi AX introduces numerous advancements, Wi-Fi AC remains a viable and cost-effective option for many home deployments.
This article explores the merits of Wi-Fi AC for home use, compares two popular MikroTik wireless access points—the MikroTik cAP ac and the MikroTik cAP ax—and concludes with considerations for future-proofing.
Wi-Fi AC: A Proven Performer for Homes
Wi-Fi AC has been the gold standard for wireless networking in homes for years. Operating predominantly on the 5 GHz band, it provides reliable performance and higher speeds compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi N (802.11n). Key benefits of Wi-Fi AC for home deployments include:
- Sufficient Speeds for Most Use Cases: Supports theoretical speeds up to 1.3 Gbps, which is more than enough for streaming 4K video, online gaming, and general internet browsing.
- Mature and Widely Supported: Most consumer devices on the market are fully compatible with Wi-Fi AC, ensuring seamless connectivity.
- Cost-Effective: Wi-Fi AC access points are generally more affordable than their Wi-Fi AX counterparts, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Wi-Fi AX: The Future of Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi AX builds upon the foundation of Wi-Fi AC but introduces significant enhancements, including:
- Higher Speeds and Efficiency: Supports theoretical speeds up to 9.6 Gbps and optimizes performance in crowded environments through technologies like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access).
- Better Range: Improves range and reliability, particularly in dense areas with many competing networks.
- Future-Ready: Designed to handle the growing number of IoT devices in modern homes.
MikroTik cAP ac (Wi-Fi AC) vs. MikroTik cAP ax (Wi-FI AX)
| Feature | MikroTik cAP ac | MikroTik cAP ax |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Standards | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | Up to 867 Mbps (5 GHz) + 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) | Up to 1.8 Gbps combined |
| Advanced Features | Standard dual-chain radios | OFDMA, MU-MIMO, BSS Coloring |
| Power Consumption | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Price | Approximately $70–$80 | Approximately $100–$120 |
| Link To MikroTik Datasheet | MikroTik cAP ac | MikroTik cAP ax |
The cAP ac is an excellent entry-level access point for homes with moderate networking demands. It is cost-effective and offers stable performance. However, the cAP ax is better suited for future-proofing, especially for homes with multiple IoT devices, high network traffic, or plans to upgrade to gigabit internet.
Why Wi-Fi AC May Still Be Enough
Wi-Fi AC remains a solid choice for home deployments due to its reliability and affordability. For households with basic internet needs—such as web browsing, video streaming, and gaming—Wi-Fi AC provides sufficient performance without the added cost of Wi-Fi AX hardware.
When Wi-Fi AX Is Worth the Upgrade
However, Wi-Fi AX is a better investment for future-proofing your network. Its advanced features address challenges like network congestion, range limitations, and efficiency in high-device environments. Additionally, as more devices support Wi-Fi AX, the benefits will become increasingly apparent.
Conclusion
For many homeowners, Wi-Fi AC is still a perfectly good solution, particularly in cost-sensitive scenarios or where the network’s demands are moderate. Devices like the MikroTik cAP ac are reliable, easy to deploy, and meet most current needs.
That said, Wi-Fi AX, as offered by the MikroTik cAP ax, is the better long-term solution. Its advanced capabilities prepare your network for the future, improve performance in challenging conditions, and handle the growing demands of modern smart homes.
If your budget allows and you want to ensure your home network is ready for years to come, Wi-Fi AX is the technology to choose.
