Get Ready For Wi-Fi 6

Wire

For almost 20 years, Wi-Fi users had to keep in mind the various technical naming conventions that determined if their device supports the latest technology available. This often led to cryptic conversations at the computer hardware store like “What is 802.11a/b/g? And where is 802.11c?”

Without getting too technical, here is a quick summary of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11 standards;

802.11 – The original standard. 1Mbps speed on 2.4Ghz frequency. Too slow and no longer deployed.

802.11a – Far surpassed the original standard, 54Mbps speed on 5Ghz frequency.

802.11b – 11Mbps speed on 2.4Ghz frequency.

802.11g – 54Mbps speed on 2.4Ghz frequency.

802.11n – 100Mbps theoretical speed on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies.

802.11ac – 433Mbps speed on 5Ghz frequency.

So, what is next on the horizon for the Wi-Fi standard? Welcome to IEEE 802.11ax, which aims to bring up the total speed to a staggering 14Gbps on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies. Truly a giant leap forward for network speeds.

The Wi-Fi Alliance, a worldwide network of companies that drive the interoperability, adoption, and evolution of Wi-Fi globally, has decided upon new naming conventions for Wi-Fi technologies. This is to enable easier recognition among users.

Wi-Fi 6 for devices supporting 802.11ax technology

Wi-Fi 5 for devices supporting 802.11ac technology

Wi-Fi 4 for devices supporting 802.11n technology

“For nearly two decades, Wi-Fi users have had to sort through technical naming conventions to determine if their devices support the latest Wi-Fi,” said Edgar Figueroa, president and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. “Wi-Fi Alliance is excited to introduce Wi-Fi 6, and present a new naming scheme to help industry and Wi-Fi users easily understand the Wi-Fi generation supported by their device or connection.”

In future, device manufacturers or vendors can include the generational terminology in visual style to indicate the current type of Wi-Fi connection. These visuals will be adjusted accordingly so that users will have real-time understanding of their devices Wi-Fi capabilities. These changes are due to take place in 2019.

(Source: wi-fi.org)