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Summary
Wi-Fi is a catch-all term.
In a sense, it is very precise.
It explains a specific method you’ve got the option to use to connect to the internet.
There are many different types of Wi-Fi standards.
Wireless standards change every few years, too.
What Are Wi-Fi Standards?
Intel
The most common wireless standards you will encounter are the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN (WLAN) & Mesh.
The IEEE updates the 802.11 Wi-Fi standard every few years.
), is rolling out, albeit slower than most experts thought.
At least, not yet.
Here is a brief history of Wi-Fi standards and whether the standard is still active.
Are All Wi-Fi Devices Compatible?
Two devices using the same Wi-Fi standard can communicate without restriction.
So, yes, most Wi-Fi devices are compatible, but there are some quirks to the standard.
But it might not be the case if you have an older router using an older Wi-Fi standard.
If your unit uses 802.11n, it will only connect and transmit using the n standard.
What Is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi [Number] is the Wi-Fi Alliance’s wireless standard naming system.
The Wi-Fi Alliance argues that the 802.11 terminology is confusing for consumers.
They are right; updating one or two letters doesn’t give users much information to work with.
The Wi-Fi Alliance naming system runs concurrently with the IEEE 802.11 convention.
Here’s how the naming standards correlate:
What Is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6 became a widespread Wi-Fi standard throughout 2020.
But by the end of 2020, another “new” standard was beginning to pick up the pace.
Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6.
The update allows your Wi-Fi connection tobroadcast over a new 6GHz band.
Previously, all Wi-Fi connections were restricted to two bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Those two frequency bands are busy, with each band broken down into smaller channels.
This doesn’t mean your data will end up on your neighbor’s computer.
That’s not how the modern packet-switching internet works.
However, it can cause Wi-Fi performance issues, especially in congested areas.
Those users in dense, congested areas will have substantially more bandwidth available, reducing Wi-Fi interference.
In short, Wi-Fi 6E effectively quadruples the amount of space available to your Wi-Fi connection.
So, when can you get your hands on a new Wi-Fi 6E router?
What Is Wi-Fi 7?
What Is Wi-Fi 8?
Wait, I hear you cry.
Wi-Fi 7 isn’t out, so how can you talk about Wi-Fi 8?
You might not be using a Wi-Fi 8 router until 2030!
