WiFi versions
WiFi is a certain standard that allows wireless connection to the network.
WiFi is nowadays an indispensable part of our daily lives.
Since the invention of WiFi in 1988 (and its first use in a consumer computer in 1999), the technology has changed significantly, expressed in different versions.
What is WiFi?
WiFi is a technology that enables wireless communication between different devices.
WiFi uses specific frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) to send and receive data.
This means you don't need cables to connect to the internet or other devices!
The technology has improved tremendously since its introduction.
Why are there so many different versions?
We need more and more bandwidth on the internet.
Think of video streaming, downloads, video chats, online gaming, smart devices, etc.
The newer WiFi versions try to ensure that all of this can proceed smoothly.
Higher speeds, less interference, more devices connected, and better security.
The new WiFi versions aim to meet all these requirements and make our lives easier.
Overview of WiFi versions
To avoid confusion, the WiFi Alliance has simplified the names of the versions.
Below is a list of the new versions, along with their more technical version numbers (the only name previously used) and brief specifications.
- WiFi 1 (802.11)
- Year of introduction: 1997
- Maximum speed: 2 Mbps
- WiFi 2 (802.11b)
- Year of introduction: 1999
- Maximum speed: 11 Mbps
- WiFi 3 (802.11g)
- Year of introduction: 2003
- Maximum speed: 54 Mbps
- WiFi 4 (802.11n)
- Year of introduction: 2009
- Maximum speed: 600 Mbps
- WiFi 4 was the first to use multiple antennas to improve speed and reliability.
- WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
- Year of introduction: 2012
- Maximum speed: 6933 Mbps (6.9 Gbps)
- WiFi 5 was the first to use 5GHz, offering even higher speeds and reducing interference with other devices.
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Year of introduction: 2018
- Maximum speed: 9608 Mbps (9.6 Gbps)
- WiFi 6 can handle connecting with many devices simultaneously much better. WiFi 6E is the first to use 6GHz for higher speeds and less interference.
- WiFi 7 (802.11be)
- Year of introduction: 2024
- Maximum speed: 46120 Mbps (46.1 Gbps)
- WiFi 7 allows for a mix of the different frequencies to be used simultaneously. This results in much higher speeds and reliability.
- WiFi 8 (802.11bn)
- Year of introduction: 2028 (Expected date)
- Maximum speed: 100 Gbps
- WiFi 8 uses mmWave to achieve even higher speeds than WiFi 7 mmWave are frequencies between 30 and 300GHz
Mbps = (megabit per second)
Gbps = (gigabit per second)
Speeds listed are theoretical maximum speeds of the technology.
Apart from speed improvements, many enhancements have also been implemented in terms of security and reliability.
WiFi devices are usually 'backwards compatible', meaning they can connect to devices with an older WiFi version (at reduced speed)
Speeds in practice
You're probably wondering why you don't encounter those listed speeds in practice.
There are various reasons for this:
- Distance to the router: The farther your device is from the router or access point, the slower the connection is.
- Obstacles: Walls and other objects weaken the signal.
- Number of connected devices: The router's speed is distributed over the connected devices.
- Interference: Other devices can cause interference, such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, etc.
- Internet subscription: A final factor is that most speed tests go online via your internet provider. This means the speed is limited to your subscription for internet browsing.
- The lowest common denominator: If you connect a device with a newer WiFi version to a router (or vice versa), the older version is used.
Conclusion
These days, we cannot imagine our lives without WiFi.
Newer versions of WiFi are much better than older versions in terms of speed, reliability, and security.
The latest version between the 2 devices used with each other is used for communication. So it is not enough to upgrade 1 of the 2 devices.
