WPA3 is required for the WiFi 6E
Learned something I did not know this weekend.
The WiFi Alliance (which certifies WiFi standards) and regulatory bodies require that only WPA3 (or higher) security is allowed for devices operating in the 6 GHz band, which is the new spectrum introduced by WiFi 6E.
This requirement was put in place to ensure the 6 GHz band, which offers much more spectrum and potential for less interference, is secure by default with the latest encryption and authentication protections. Specifically:
- WPA2 is not allowed on 6 GHz by the standard.
This mandate improves overall network security and prevents legacy, less-secure protocols from being used on the new band.
So, to use WiFi 6E’s 6 GHz band, both the router/access point and client device must support WPA3 security.
By default, my Nest WiFi Pro does NOT have WPA3 turned on. Which means, by default, most people are not taking advantage of its "key" new feature at the time which was WiFi 6E. If course we have WiFI 7 now as well, but that's for another day.
