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.