English

802.11 Wireless Standards Explained

Updated on Sep 30, 2021 by
21.0k

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. Before looking at the 802.11 standards comparison, the 802.11 standards chart below will ease differentiating various 802.11 Wi-Fi standards.

802.11 Standards Explained

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 maximum speeds 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.

Standard Year Released Frequency (GHz) Speed Range (Indoor) Range (Outdoor)
802.11 1997 2.4 2Mbps 20m 100m
802.11a 1999 5 1.5-54Mbps 35m 120/5000m
802.11b 1999 2.4 11Mbps 35m 120m
802.11g 2003 2.4 54Mbps 38m 140m
802.11n 2009 2.4/5 600Mbps 70m 250m
802.11ac 2013 2.4/5 450/1300Mbps 35m -
802.11ax 2019 2.4/5 10-15Gbs 30m 120m

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 the 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 created in 2014 features dual-band technology, supports synchronized connections on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with up to 1300Mbps bandwidth on 5GHz and 450Mbps on 2.4GHz. It is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n.

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.

In Conclusion

Apart from the Wi-Fi speeds explained, other pending Wi-Fi standards include 802.11aj, 802.11ak, 802.11ay, 802.11az, and 802.11ba. Note that not all of the 802.11 standards for wireless Wi-Fi can communicate.

You will incur challenges if you try connecting two devices using different wireless standards. However, two separate devices using a similar Wi-Fi standard can communicate without limitations.

You might be interested in

Knowledge
Knowledge
Knowledge
Knowledge
Knowledge
See profile for Sheldon.
Sheldon
Decoding OLT, ONU, ONT, and ODN in PON Network
Mar 14, 2023
376.8k
Knowledge
See profile for Irving.
Irving
What's the Difference? Hub vs Switch vs Router
Dec 17, 2021
363.7k
Knowledge
See profile for Sheldon.
Sheldon
What Is SFP Port of Gigabit Switch?
Jan 6, 2023
326.8k
Knowledge