802.11 Wireless Standards Explained

In the current digital world, Wi-Fi is an all-catch term often synonymous with wireless internet access. However, unknown to many, it is a specific trademark that belongs to Wi-Fi Alliance, a group that certifies that all Wi-Fi products meet IEEE 802.11 standards. Therefore, there are many 802.11 Wi-Fi standards that your routers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets use to connect to the internet.

These wireless standards frequently change, with new updates bringing faster Wi-Fi speeds and better connections. This article mainly explains the 802.11 standards and 802.11 comparison with Wi-Fi standards charts to help you better distinguish between these standards.

IEEE Wireless Standards

The Wi-Fi Alliance created a naming system to aid the general public in differentiating between different versions of IEEE 802.11.

• IEEE 802.11: This is the original standard created in 1997 but currently defunct. The version supports a maximum connection speed of 1Mbps. Unfortunately, devices using this version are no longer produced and don’t work on today’s equipment.

• IEEE 802.11a: This second version was developed in 1999 and works on a 5GHz Wi-Fi band. The version was released hoping that it will encounter less interference, especially since most devices then used the 2.4GHz band. Nonetheless, IEEE 802.11a is faster, with maximum data rates of 1.5Mbps to 54Mbps.

• IEEE 802.11b: This version was also developed in 1999 but used the typical unregulated radio signaling frequency of the 2.4GHz band. It comes with a maximum speed of 11Mbps, and it is the version that increased Wi-Fi’s popularity. Most vendors preferred using these frequencies due to low production costs. Unfortunately, its unregulated nature means that IEEE 802.11b can face interference from cordless phones, ovens, and all other devices using the 2.4GHz range.

• IEEE 802.11g: This 2003 sequel improved the maximum data rates of 54Mbps while maintaining the reliable 2.4GHz band usage, which explains its widespread adoption. Also called Wi-Fi 3, this standard combines the good features of IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11a. As such, it is compatible with backward technologies, meaning that 802.11b APs can work with IEEE 802.11g adapters.

• IEEE 802.11n: The IEEE 802.11n, otherwise called Wireless N or Wi-Fi 4, was developed to improve the bandwidth rates provided by IEEE 802.11g. This standard uses several antennas and wireless signals, popularly known as MIMO technology, contrary to the one used by IEEE 802.11g. 802.11n was ratified by industry standards in 2009, enabling it to provide maximum network bandwidths of 600Mbps. It also offers a better Wi-Fi range compared to previous standards since it has a higher signal intensity. The only drawback of this standard is that it is more expensive than IEEE 802.11g.

• IEEE 802.11ac: Also called Wi-Fi 5, this Wi-Fi standard was created in 2014 and primarily supports the 5GHz frequency band. It offers increased bandwidth, with potential speeds exceeding 1Gbps using multiple spatial streams and advanced modulation techniques. While the standard operates on 5GHz for high speeds, it also supports 2.4GHz frequencies to maintain compatibility with older devices. It is backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11a/b/g/n. This was the initial Wi-Fi standard that facilitated the utilization of multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) technology, allowing the use of multiple antennas on both transmitting and receiving devices to minimize errors and enhance speed.

• IEEE 802.11ax: The IEEE 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6, is the recent and game-changing Wi-Fi standard that is up to 10 times faster than 802.11ac. It features a maximum data rate of 1.3Gbs and operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.

Here is the 802.11 standard chart to help you understand the differences more intuitively:

IEEE 802.11ac and 802.11ax Comparison

While both 802.11ac and 802.11ax provide robust performance for modern wireless networks, they differ significantly in their design goals and practical applications. 802.11ac is popular for its high throughput and low latency, especially when dealing with high-definition video streaming and online gaming. It relies heavily on the 5GHz band for compatibility with older devices. In contrast, 802.11ax not only more than doubles the speed of 802.11ac, but also introduces advanced technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which significantly increase the efficiency and capacity of the network. 802.11ax not only supports the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands but also has the ability to expand into the future 6GHz frequency band, making it the ideal solution for future IoT devices and high-density network environments. IEEE 802.11ax not only supports the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands but also has the ability to expand to the future 6GHz band, making it ideal for future IoT devices and high-density network environments.

Practical Applications of 802.11 Standards

1. Home Networking

• Wi-Fi Routers and Access Points: Routers use 802.11 standards (such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax) to provide wireless internet access within homes.

• Smart Home Devices: Many smart home devices (like smart thermostats, bulbs, and security systems) rely on Wi-Fi for communication.

2. Enterprise Networking

• Office WLANs: Businesses use enterprise-grade access points and routers to provide robust and scalable wireless networking.

• VoIP and Video Conferencing: 802.11 networks support real-time communication applications like VoIP and video conferencing.

3. Industrial Applications

• IoT Devices: 802.11 standards support Internet of Things (IoT) devices used in industrial automation and control systems.

• Factory Automation: Wireless networks connect sensors, machines, and control systems in smart factories.

Key 802.11 standards and their applications:

• 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz Band): Suitable for general home and small business use due to decent range and good compatibility with older devices.

• 802.11a/ac (5 GHz Band): Ideal for higher bandwidth applications like HD streaming and gaming, though with a shorter range compared to the 2.4 GHz band.

• 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Offers better performance, efficiency, and capacity, well-suited for dense environments like stadiums, airports, and large enterprise deployments.

Select High-Standard Wireless APs for Your Network

For anyone looking to upgrade their Wi-Fi infrastructure, whether for home or enterprise use, FS wireless access points are a superb option. FS offers a range of high-performance APs that support the latest 802.11 standards, including Wi-Fi 6, like AP-N505. Known for their reliability, advanced features, and great value, FS access points provide seamless connectivity and robust performance, making them ideal for various applications such as HD streaming, online gaming, and handling IoT devices. With FS wireless solution, you can ensure that your network is future-proof and capable of meeting the demands of a modern digital environment.

Conclusion

Over the years, technology has significantly evolved since the introduction of the original IEEE 802.11 standard. The enduring value of this series of standards is a testament to the contributions of global innovators who have continuously advanced it. As Wi-Fi networks continue to advance on various fronts, IEEE Standards will also continue to evolve, aiming to unlock the full potential of Wi-Fi technology and cater to the future needs of industries and individuals.