IEEE 802.11 Overview: IEEE 802.11 encompasses LAN technical standards for wireless computer communication. It is overseen by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee and commonly used in home and office networks for wireless connectivity. This standard serves as the foundation for Wi-Fi branded products and communication networks in vehicles, specifying protocols for medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY).
Frequency Bands and Channels: IEEE 802.11 operates in various frequency bands such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and 60GHz. The availability of radio frequency spectrum varies by regulatory domain, with channels listed in the specifications. These frequencies support seamless interworking with Ethernet and enable the transmission of IP traffic efficiently across networks.
Wi-Fi Generations and Evolution: Wi-Fi generations are denoted by the 802.11 protocols utilized, with a consumer-friendly numbering scheme introduced in 2018 to differentiate capabilities and speeds of devices. The evolution of Wi-Fi standards, from Wi-Fi 0 to Wi-Fi 6, showcases advancements in speed and features with each generation building upon the previous. This progression has led to improved wireless technologies and enhanced user experiences.