Wi-Fi standards are a set of specifications and protocols that define how wireless local area networks (WLANs) operate. These standards govern the wireless communication between devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and routers. Wi-Fi standards are developed and maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and other industry organizations. Here are some of the most common Wi-Fi standards:
802.11b:
- Year of Introduction: 1999
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 11 Mbps
- Key Features: One of the earliest Wi-Fi standards, 802.11b operates in the 2.4 GHz band and offered basic wireless connectivity. It has become largely obsolete.
802.11a:
- Year of Introduction: 1999
- Frequency Band: 5 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 54 Mbps
- Key Features: 802.11a operates in the 5 GHz band, providing faster data rates and reduced interference compared to 802.11b. It is less common in consumer devices today.
802.11g:
- Year of Introduction: 2003
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 54 Mbps
- Key Features: 802.11g improved upon 802.11b, offering higher data rates while maintaining compatibility with the 2.4 GHz band. It was widely adopted in its time.
802.11n:
- Year of Introduction: 2009
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 600 Mbps (with multiple antennas)
- Key Features: 802.11n introduced multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology, allowing for faster speeds and better range. It operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
802.11ac:
- Year of Introduction: 2013
- Frequency Band: 5 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 3.47 Gbps
- Key Features: 802.11ac, also known as Wi-Fi 5, provided significant speed improvements over previous standards. It introduced beamforming for better signal targeting.
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6):
- Year of Introduction: 2019
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 9.6 Gbps
- Key Features: Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle crowded networks with many connected devices. It offers increased speed, capacity, and efficiency.
802.11ay:
- Year of Introduction: 2020
- Frequency Band: 60 GHz
- Maximum Data Rate: Up to 100 Gbps
- Key Features: 802.11ay operates in the 60 GHz band, offering extremely high-speed connections for applications like wireless VR and AR.
Each new Wi-Fi standard builds upon the capabilities of its predecessors, offering faster data rates, improved range, and better performance in congested network environments. When choosing Wi-Fi equipment, it’s important to ensure that devices support compatible Wi-Fi standards for optimal performance and compatibility with your network.