WiFi Standards Explained: Compare 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11ax and More
May 30, 20241 min read
In the current digital world, Wi-Fi is an all-catch term often synonymous with wireless internet access. However, unknown to many, it is a specific trademark that belongs to Wi-Fi Alliance, a group that certifies that all Wi-Fi products meet IEEE 802.11 standards. Therefore, there are many 802.11 Wi-Fi standards that your routers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets use to connect to the internet.
These wireless standards frequently change, with new updates bringing faster Wi-Fi speeds and better connections. This article mainly explains the 802.11 standards and 802.11 comparison with Wi-Fi standards charts to help you better distinguish between these standards.
IEEE Wireless Standards
The Wi-Fi Alliance created a naming system to aid the general public in differentiating between different versions of IEEE 802.11.
IEEE 802.11: This is the original standard created in 1997 but currently defunct. The version supports a maximum connection speed of 1Mbps. Unfortunately, devices using this version are no longer produced and don’t work on today’s equipment.
IEEE 802.11a: This second version was developed in 1999 and works on a 5GHz Wi-Fi band. The version was released hoping that it will encounter less interference, especially since most devices then used the 2.4GHz band. Nonetheless, IEEE 802.11a is faster, with maximum data rates of 1.5Mbps to 54Mbps.
IEEE 802.11b: This version was also developed in 1999 but used the typical unregulated radio signaling frequency of the 2.4GHz band. It comes with a maximum speed of 11Mbps, and it is the version that increased Wi-Fi’s popularity. Most vendors preferred using these frequencies due to low production costs. Unfortunately, its unregulated nature means that IEEE 802.11b can face interference from cordless phones, ovens, and all other devices using the 2.4GHz range.
IEEE 802.11g: This 2003 sequel improved the maximum data rates of 54Mbps while maintaining the reliable 2.4GHz band usage, which explains its widespread adoption. Also called Wi-Fi 3, this standard combines the good features of IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11a. As such, it is compatible with backward technologies, meaning that 802.11b APs can work with IEEE 802.11g adapters.
IEEE 802.11n: The IEEE 802.11n, otherwise called Wireless N or Wi-Fi 4, was developed to improve the bandwidth rates provided by IEEE 802.11g. This standard uses several antennas and wireless signals, popularly known as MIMO technology, contrary to the one used by IEEE 802.11g. 802.11n was ratified by industry standards in 2009, enabling it to provide maximum network bandwidths of 600Mbps. It also offers a better Wi-Fi range compared to previous standards since it has a higher signal intensity. The only drawback of this standard is that it is more expensive than IEEE 802.11g.
IEEE 802.11ac: Also called Wi-Fi 5, this Wi-Fi standard was created in 2014 and primarily supports the 5GHz frequency band. It offers increased bandwidth, with potential speeds exceeding 1Gbps using multiple spatial streams and advanced modulation techniques. It is backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11a/b/g/n. This was the initial Wi-Fi standard that facilitated the utilization of multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) technology, allowing the use of multiple antennas on both transmitting and receiving devices to minimize errors and enhance speed.
IEEE 802.11ax: Also known as Wi-Fi 6, is a game-changing technology introduced in 2019. It offers speeds up to four times faster than 802.11ac and operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. In 2021, Wi-Fi 6E was introduced as an extension of Wi-Fi 6, adding support for the 6GHz frequency band. This expansion significantly reduces network congestion and enables even faster and more reliable wireless performance, especially in dense environments.
IEEE 802.11be: Known as Wi-Fi 7, is the next-gen wireless standard, delivering massive upgrades over Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in speed, capacity, and efficiency. It adds 6GHz support to existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, enabling over 30Gbps theoretical speeds. Key features like 320MHz channels, 4096-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) ensure lower latency and higher reliability, setting a new benchmark for wireless performance.
Here is the 802.11 standard chart to help you understand the differences more intuitively:
Standard | Year Released | Frequency (GHz) | Speed |
802.11 | 1997 | 2.4 | 2 Mbps |
802.11a | 1999 | 5 | 1.5-54 Mbps |
802.11b | 1999 | 2.4 | 11 Mbps |
802.11g | 2003 | 2.4 | 54 Mbps |
802.11n | 2009 | 2.4/5 | Up to 600 Mbps |
802.11ac | 2013 | 5 | Up to 3.5 Gbps |
802.11ax | 2019 | 2.4/5 | Up to 9.6 Gbps |
802.11be | 2024 | 2.4/5/6 | Up to 46 Gbps |
Comparing 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be
While both 802.11ac and 802.11ax deliver strong performance for today’s wireless needs, they differ in architecture and intended use. 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) excels in delivering high throughput and low latency over the 5GHz band, making it well-suited for tasks like HD video streaming and online gaming. However, it primarily focuses on single-user performance.
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 & Wi-Fi 6E) goes a step further by more than doubling the theoretical speed of 802.11ac and introducing technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which significantly boost network efficiency in multi-user environments. It also supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, making it the ideal solution for future IoT devices and high-density network environments.
Building on these advancements, 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) supports operation across all three frequency bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz to maximize spectrum utilization and network flexibility. It introduces features such as 320MHz ultra-wide channels, 4096-QAM modulation, and multi-link operation (MLO), delivering ultra-low latency and multi-gigabit speeds. These capabilities make Wi-Fi 7 an ideal solution for AR/VR applications, 8K video conferencing, and high-density environments such as enterprises, schools, and smart campuses, where fast, stable, and high-capacity wireless connectivity is essential.
802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6e) | 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) |
Frequency Band | 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz |
Maximum Modulation | 256 QAM | 1024 QAM | 1024 QAM | 4096 QAM |
MIMO | 4x4 | 8x8 | 8x8 | 16x16 |
MU-MIMO | Downlink | Uplink and downlink | Uplink and downlink | Uplink and downlink (with more users supported) |
Multiuser Transmission | Single-user support (OFDM) | Multiuser support (OFDMA) | Multiuser support (OFDMA) | Enhanced multiuser support (OFDMA + Multi-RU + Puncturing) |
Maximum Data Rate | 3.5 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps | 46 Gbps (theoretical) |
Practical Applications of IEEE 802.11 Standards
The IEEE 802.11 standards form the backbone of wireless networking across a wide range of scenarios, each tailored to meet specific needs from home use to industrial automation.
Home Networking
Wi-Fi Routers and Access Points: Routers use 802.11 standards (such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax) to provide wireless internet access within homes.
Smart Home Devices: Many smart home devices (like smart thermostats, bulbs, and security systems) rely on Wi-Fi for communication.
School Networking
Campus Wi-Fi: Schools deploy high-density access points to provide seamless wireless coverage across classrooms, libraries, and common areas.
E-Learning and Digital Classrooms: Wi-Fi supports online learning platforms, video streaming, and interactive digital tools essential for modern education.
Student and Staff Devices: Networks handle the connectivity needs of multiple devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones used by students and faculty.
Enterprise Networking
Office WLANs: Businesses use enterprise-grade access points and routers to provide robust and scalable wireless networking.
VoIP and Video Conferencing: 802.11 networks support real-time communication applications like VoIP and video conferencing.
Industrial Applications
IoT Devices: 802.11 standards support Internet of Things (IoT) devices used in industrial automation and control systems.
Factory Automation: Wireless networks connect sensors, machines, and control systems in smart factories.
Key 802.11 standards and their applications:
802.11a: An early Wi-Fi standard suitable for basic wireless networking and light data tasks in small areas, though it's largely obsolete in modern networks.
802.11b/g/n: Suitable for general home and small business use due to decent range and good compatibility with older devices.
802.11ac: Ideal for most home networks and small businesses, 802.11ac provides sufficient speed and performance for everyday internet use, and office work.
802.11ax: Offers better performance, efficiency, and capacity, well-suited for dense environments like stadiums, airports, and large enterprise deployments.
802.11be: Delivers greater capacity and lower latency, making it perfect for immersive AR/VR experiences, high-quality video conferencing, real-time collaboration, cloud computing, industrial IoT, and highly interactive telemedicine applications.
Select the Right Wireless APs for Your Network
For anyone looking to upgrade their Wi-Fi infrastructure, whether for home or enterprise use, FS wireless access points are an excellent choice. In addition to providing Wi-Fi 5 APs, FS also offers a range of high-performance APs that support the latest 802.11 standards, including Wi-Fi 6 models like the AP-N516 and AP-T566D, as well as Wi-Fi 7 models such as the AP-N716. Known for their reliability, advanced features, and great value, FS access points provide seamless connectivity and robust performance, making them ideal for various applications such as HD streaming, online gaming, and handling IoT devices. With FS wireless solution, you can ensure that your network is future-proof and capable of meeting the demands of a modern digital environment.
Conclusion
Over the years, technology has significantly evolved since the introduction of the original IEEE 802.11 standard. The enduring value of this series of standards is a testament to the contributions of global innovators who have continuously advanced it. As Wi-Fi networks continue to advance on various fronts, IEEE Standards will also continue to evolve, aiming to unlock the full potential of Wi-Fi technology and cater to the future needs of industries and individuals.
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