Wifi standards Flashcards
(10 cards)
802.11
The first Wi-Fi standard, slow (2 Mbps) but introduced wireless networking over 2.4 GHz frequency. Created in 1997
802.11a
Faster (54 Mbps) but shorter range due to 5 GHz frequency, better for speed but not distance. Made 1999
802.11b
Slower (11 Mbps) but had better range using 2.4 GHz, making it more reliable for long-distance connections. Made 1999
802.11g
- Combined 802.11a (speed) and 802.11b (range), reaching 54 Mbps over 2.4 GHz. Made in 2003
802.11n
- Huge upgrade! Added MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antennas, boosting speed (up to 600 Mbps) and improving coverage. First to support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz). Made in 2009
802.11ac
Introduced dual-band Wi-Fi for high-speed internet, reaching 1 Gbps+, perfect for HD streaming & gaming using only 5 GHz. Made in 2014
802.11ax
(Wi-Fi 6, 2019) – Improved speed (10 Gbps), latency (fast response time), and efficiency in crowded areas using OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) for better multi-device performance. Works on 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz.
802.11be
(Wi-Fi 7, 2024) – Next-gen ultra-fast speeds (46 Gbps) with low latency, 6 GHz support, and better multi-device performance using MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO).
What is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi?
Pros:
-Wireless frequency band with longer range but slower speeds.
- Better coverage – Can penetrate walls and travel farther than 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Cons:
- More interference – Shared by devices like microwaves & Bluetooth, causing signal congestion.
- Best for basic browsing & large spaces where range matters more than speed.
What is 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Pros:
- Wireless frequency band with faster speeds but shorter range than 2.4 GHz.
- Less interference – Avoids congestion from devices like microwaves & Bluetooth.
- Best for gaming, streaming, & fast downloads in close range.
Cons: - Limited penetration – Struggles to pass through walls and obstacles.
