Decoding WiFi Numbers: What’s It All About?
Right, so you’ve probably seen those WiFi numbers floating around, like WiFi 6 or 802.11ac, and wondered what they actually mean.
It’s not as complicated as it looks! Let’s break it down, shall we?
WiFi’s Journey Through Time.
WiFi tech has come a long way, with each new version bringing faster speeds, better range, and more efficient connections.
To keep track of all this progress, the clever folks at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) came up with a system of standards, each with its own special code.
802.11: The Foundation: At the heart of it all is the 802.11 standard.
This is the rule book for wireless communication on your local network (WLAN).
Over time, this standard has been updated, with each version getting a bit of a boost.
Deciphering the Codes.
Here are the WiFi numbers you’re most likely to bump into:
- 802.11a/b/g/n: These are the old-timers of the WiFi world. They still work, but they’re pretty slow compared to what’s available now. Think of them as the landline phones of the internet.
- 802.11ac (WiFi 5): This standard brought some serious speed improvements, making it much better for things like streaming HD films and gaming online. A definite step up!
- 802.11ax (WiFi 6): The previous generation, WiFi 6, offers even more speed, greater capacity, and it handles busy networks much more smoothly. Perfect for homes with loads of gadgets all vying for bandwidth.
- 802.11be (WiFi 7): The latest and greatest! WiFi 7 is promising even more impressive speeds, super-low lag, and enhanced capabilities. It uses wider channels, higher-order modulation, and other clever tricks to give you a truly top-notch wireless experience. Think of it as the high-speed train of WiFi.
A Glimpse into the Future: WiFi 8 and Beyond.
WiFi 7 is still pretty new, but believe it or not, they’re already working on the next generation: WiFi 8.
While details are still a bit hush-hush, WiFi 8 is expected to take wireless connectivity even further.
I reckon we’ll see even faster speeds, even lower latency, and even more clever ways to support our ever-growing need for connectivity. Imagine it as the hyperloop of WiFi!
I expect improvements in network security, the ability to handle even more devices, and maybe even some completely new applications we haven’t even thought of yet.
Keep your eyes peeled for more news on WiFi 8 in the coming years!
Why the Name Change?
You might be wondering why the newest standard is called WiFi 7 and not 802.11be.
The WiFi Alliance decided to simplify things and make it easier for us to understand.
“WiFi 7” just rolls off the tongue a bit better than “802.11be,” don’t you think?
What It Means for You.
Knowing what these WiFi numbers mean can help you make a smart choice when you’re buying a router or connecting to a network.
If you want the fastest, smoothest WiFi experience, WiFi 7 is the way to go (assuming your devices support it).
WiFi 6 is still a cracking option and a good choice for most people.
WiFi 5 is alright, but if you’re thinking of upgrading, I’d recommend jumping straight to WiFi 6 or 7.
And further down the line, WiFi 8 looks set to be a game-changer.
In a Nutshell.
WiFi numbers might seem a bit baffling at first, but they’re actually a handy way to understand how WiFi tech has evolved.
Now you’re clued up on all the different versions, from the oldies to the latest and greatest, and even what’s coming next!
Hope you’ve found our article, Decoding WiFi Numbers: What’s It All About? useful.
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