Wi-Fi

Introduction

Wi-Fi standards are sets of technical specifications that define how wireless devices communicate.



Generations

Wi-Fi technology has steadily improved with each generation, offering faster speeds, lower latency and better user experiences across various environments and device types.

  • In 2018, the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced a user-friendly numbering system for publicly used 802.11 protocols.
  • These simplified generational names (e.g. Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6) now commonly appear in router and device specifications, making it easier for consumers to identify compatibility.

Wi-Fi Standards



Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 remains the current mainstream wireless standard, but Wi-Fi 7 is gaining traction in high-performance and enterprise environments.

  • Wi-Fi 6 operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
  • The 5 GHz band offers higher theoretical speeds and less interference, but it has a shorter range, especially when signals pass through walls or floors.
  • The 2.4 GHz band, while slower, provides wider coverage and better signal penetration, making it better for devices located farther from the router or in obstructed areas.
  • An extension of this standard, Wi-Fi 6E, expands into the new, uncongested 6 GHz band. This provides a massive, interference-free spectrum for devices that support it, resulting in even faster speeds and lower latency, particularly in high-density environments.

Wi-Fi 6 introduces several key improvements over previous generations:

  • Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
    • Allows a single transmission to serve multiple devices simultaneously by dividing a channel into smaller sub-channels. This improves efficiency, reduces latency and enhances performance in dense device environments (e.g., smart homes, offices or public places).
  • Improved MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output)
    • While Wi-Fi 5 supported MU-MIMO for downloads only, Wi-Fi 6 extends support to uploads as well. This boosts network capacity and helps more devices maintain fast, stable connections.
  • Target Wake Time (TWT)
    • This feature lets devices schedule check-ins with the router, reducing unnecessary communication. It significantly conserves battery life for IoT devices, smartphones, and other battery-powered gear.



Summary

Choosing the best Wi-Fi standard is a personal decision based on your individual needs and budget.

  • While newer standards offer faster speeds, an older standard with lower maximum speeds might suffice for your typical internet usage (e.g. browsing, light streaming, etc.)
  • Upgrading to newer standards often comes with a higher cost, both for the router and compatible devices.
Ensuring device compatibility and matching the standard to your internet plan's speed are crucial for maximizing benefits.
  • To illustrate, it is pointless to invest in a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 router if your laptop can only connect to Wi-Fi 4 or your internet plan is only 30 Mbps.
However, investing in newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 7 offers several advantages that go beyond just increased speed.
  • Future-proofing for upcoming devices and higher bandwidth needs.
  • Improved security with the latest protocols like WPA3 (standard in Wi-Fi 6 and above).
  • Better performance in crowded environments, thanks to the 6 GHz band in Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.



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