Basic and additional Wi-Fi standards - differences and features

The popularity of Wi-Fi connections is growing every day, as the demand for this type of network is increasing at a tremendous pace. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, monoblocks, TVs, computers - all our equipment supports a wireless Internet connection, without which it is no longer possible to imagine the life of a modern person.

Data transmission technologies are developing along with the release of new equipment

In order to choose a network suitable for your needs, you need to learn about all the Wi-Fi standards that exist today. The Wi-Fi Alliance has developed more than twenty connection technologies, four of which are most in demand today: 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n. The manufacturer's most recent discovery was the 802.11ac modification, the performance of which is several times higher than the characteristics of modern adapters.

802.11b standard

It is the oldest certified wireless technology and is characterized by general availability. The device has very modest parameters:

• Information transfer speed - 11 Mbit/s;
• Frequency range - 2.4 GHz;
• The range of action (in the absence of volumetric partitions) is up to 50 meters.

It should be noted that this standard has poor noise immunity and low throughput. Therefore, despite the attractive price of this Wi-Fi connection, its technical component lags significantly behind more modern models.

Why do you need Wi-Fi?

Let's start with a definition. Wi-Fi is a technology for wireless data transmission within a local network, carried out by devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. In the current modern world, data transmission technology covers an increasing number of devices: TV, telephone, vacuum cleaner, refrigerator and even a kettle can already use Wi-Fi technology.

Story

Wi-Fi is a wireless network that transmits data on the Internet. The predecessor of Wi-Fi is indeed the radio, and its closest contemporary is Bluetooth technology. Just as in the absence of a radio signal it is impossible to transmit sound, so in the absence of the Internet not a single wireless network will work.

Such networks first began operating in the 1990s. Today they cover the whole world.

Origin of the word

The abbreviation Wi-fi stands for wireless fidelity in English - literally, “wireless precision”. It is understood that thanks to this technology, data is transmitted safely and confidentially from the sender to the recipient.

Pronunciation

The abbreviation is pronounced in Russian as “wi-fi”. Internet users usually have a good sense of humor, so sometimes you can hear fi wi (fi wi) or “wai wah” as a misnomer.

“There is Wi-Fi” - what does it mean?

The expression “there is Wi-Fi” means that in some area (from an apartment to an open field) there is a wireless network to which theoretically you can connect. True, for this it must be open, that is, not password protected.

Radiation harm - truth or myth

Since Wi-Fi works on the same principle as all other waves, there is a belief that radiation from a wireless network is harmful to health. In reality, this radiation is no more harmful than the waves emanating from mobile phones, which we carry with us today. Meanwhile, if you figure out exactly how Wi-Fi works, then these waves will no longer cause fear among users.

802.11a standard

This technology is an improved version of the previous standard. The developers focused on the device’s throughput and clock speed. Thanks to such changes, this modification eliminates the influence of other devices on the quality of the network signal.

• Information transfer speed - 54 Mbit/s;
• Frequency range - 5 GHz;
• The range is up to 30 meters.

However, all the advantages of the 802.11a standard are compensated equally by its disadvantages: a reduced connection radius and a high (compared to 802.11b) price.

Step-by-step instructions on how to change the Wi-Fi standard

The user can independently set the standards he is interested in on the devices. The debugging process varies depending on the model used, in some cases it is additionally required to update the drivers.

TP-Link

To change the mode, you need to go to the router settings by entering the numbers in the browser address bar: 192.168.1.1. The information is relevant for any device. Then there is a move from “wireless mode” to “debug” with a transition to “mode”. There you select the one you need and save the changes made.

Changes to TP-Link

Important! If the equipment operates in two bands, then it is better to use the 5 GHz functionality. This approach will ensure trouble-free operation of the device and no interference on the line.

ASUS

Getting maximum speed requires sequential actions:

• entering the menu;
• entering information for authentication;
• moving to the additional adjustment section, selecting “Wi-Fi grid” and moving to the “general” block.

The adjustment settings are completed by selecting the channel width and mode.

ZyXEL Keenetic

To replace, you need to visit the main menu and move to the “Wi-Fi” subsection. The system will display the “standard” that needs to be changed.

After debugging, click on the “apply” button and reboot the device.

Debugging ZyXEL Keenetic

D-Link

The change of standards occurs by logging into the control panel through the address bar of the browser (address: 192.168.1.1).

In the future, you need to visit the “Wi-Fi” subsection, select the “mode” item, consisting of four versions: 802.11 b\g\n mixed and separately n\b\g (Wi-Fi speed should change).

Netis

To change the Wi-Fi data transfer speed in the router you need to:

• open the page in the browser;
• go to the current mode block;
• in the “frequency range” subsection, change the parameter (Wi-Fi b/g/n is set by default, unlike older devices).

After saving the settings, the device’s performance is checked by testing the current speeds and signal clarity.

Netis adjustment

802.11g standard

The updated modification becomes a leader in today's wireless network standards, since it supports work with the widespread 802.11b technology and, unlike it, has a fairly high connection speed.

• Information transfer speed - 54 Mbit/s;
• Frequency range - 2.4 GHz;
• The range is up to 50 meters.

As you may have noticed, the clock frequency has dropped to 2.4 GHz, but the network coverage has returned to its previous levels typical for 802.11b. In addition, the price of the adapter has become more affordable, which is a significant advantage when choosing equipment.

Which mode to choose on a Wi-Fi router

Routers support Wi-Fi b, g, n protocols. Dual-band devices can operate under the AC standard. Modern mobile devices and laptops operate in Wi-Fi bgn mode under different bands - from 2.4 to 5 GHz.

Important! Outdated equipment cannot support AC and Wi-Fi n types. If one of the above is present on the router, the device will not be able to connect to the connection.

The optimal solution when choosing a mode is considered to be a mixture of Wi-Fi standards from b, g, n. In this case, the newest and old devices will begin to function on the line. This mode is preinstalled on most adapters. If there is no outdated equipment, then experts recommend setting the range to 2.4 GHz - this approach will increase the speed of the Internet.

Maximum speed

802.11n standard

Despite the fact that this modification has been on the market for a long time and has impressive parameters, manufacturers are still working on improving it. Due to the fact that it is incompatible with previous standards, its popularity is low.

• Information transfer speed is theoretically up to 480 Mbit/s, but in practice it turns out to be half that;
• Frequency range - 2.4 or 5 GHz;
• The range is up to 100 meters.

Since this standard is still evolving, it has its own characteristics: it may conflict with equipment that supports 802.11n only because the device manufacturers are different.

Other standards

In addition to popular technologies, the Wi-Fi Alliance manufacturer has developed other standards for more specialized applications. Such modifications that perform service functions include:

• 802.11d - makes wireless communication devices from different manufacturers compatible, adapts them to the peculiarities of data transmission at the national level;
• 802.11e - determines the quality of sent media files;
• 802.11f - manages a variety of access points from different manufacturers, allows you to work equally in different networks;

• 802.11h - prevents loss of signal quality due to the influence of meteorological equipment and military radars;
• 802.11i - an improved version of protecting user personal information;
• 802.11k - monitors the load on a specific network and redistributes users to other access points;
• 802.11m - contains all the fixes to the 802.11 standards;
• 802.11p - determines the nature of Wi-Fi devices located within a range of 1 km and moving at speeds of up to 200 km/h;
• 802.11r - automatically finds a wireless network when roaming and connects mobile devices to it;
• 802.11s - organizes a full mesh connection, where each smartphone or tablet can be a router or connection point;
• 802.11t - this network tests the entire 802.11 standard, provides test methods and their results, and sets requirements for the operation of the equipment;
• 802.11u - this modification is known to everyone from the development of Hotspot 2.0. It ensures the interaction of wireless and external networks;
• 802.11v - this technology creates solutions to improve modifications of 802.11;
• 802.11y is an unfinished technology that links frequencies between 3.65 and 3.70 GHz;
• 802.11w - the standard finds ways to enhance the security of access to information transmission.

MIMO and Beamforming

And finally, I would like to talk about several technologies used in wireless networks.

What is MIMO in a router. SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO

MIMO is one of the most important innovations in the 802.11n Wi-Fi standard. Simply put, MIMO is a technology that allows multiple data streams to be transmitted or received at one time using multiple antennas on a device. More streams means higher connection speed.

According to the standard, there can be various configurations of receiving and transmitting antennas, starting from 1x1, where there is one receiving and one transmitting, and ending with 4x4 (for 802.11n, in the new standards their number has been increased even more). Often in the first (1x1) configuration you can transmit one spatial stream, and in 4x4 - up to four simultaneously. The main thing here is that not only the router, but also the client has the appropriate number of antennas, and this can cause problems, since, for example, most smartphones have MIMO 1×1. And not all manufacturers of smartphones and routers indicate these parameters.

There are two variants of MIMO: single-user (SU-MIMO) and multi-user (MU-MIMO, first introduced in the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard). In the first case, the router sends data to only one device at a time, in the second, it can send data to several users simultaneously.

Beamforming

Beamforming is a technology for forming a directed beam towards the connected client. Typically, the signal is broadcast in all directions, creating a uniform coverage area. Beamforming technology allows the router to determine the location of the client in space and generate a signal in that direction. Initially, this functionality appeared in the 802.11n standard, but due to the lack of a standard implementation method, each manufacturer implemented it in its own way and it did not work normally. Starting with 802.11ac, a standard beamforming method was introduced, which allowed any devices that support this technology to work correctly with any other devices that also support it.

The latest and most technologically advanced standard 802.11ac

802.11ac modification devices provide users with a completely new quality of Internet experience. Among the advantages of this standard, the following should be highlighted:

1. High speed. When transmitting data over the 802.11ac network, wider channels and higher frequencies are used, which increases the theoretical speed to 1.3 Gbps. In practice, throughput is up to 600 Mbit/s. In addition, an 802.11ac-based device transmits more data per clock cycle.

1. Increased number of frequencies. The 802.11ac modification is equipped with a whole range of 5 GHz frequencies. The latest technology has a stronger signal. The high range adapter covers a frequency band up to 380 MHz.
2. 802.11ac network coverage area. This standard provides a wider network range. In addition, the Wi-Fi connection works even through concrete and plasterboard walls. Interference that occurs during the operation of home appliances and the neighbor’s Internet does not in any way affect the operation of your connection.
3. Updated technologies. 802.11ac is equipped with the MU-MIMO extension, which ensures smooth operation of multiple devices on the network. Beamforming technology identifies the client's device and sends several streams of information to it at once.

Having become more familiar with all the Wi-Fi connection modifications that exist today, you can easily choose the network that suits your needs. Please remember that most devices contain a standard 802.11b adapter, which is also supported by 802.11g technology. If you are looking for an 802.11ac wireless network, the number of devices equipped with it today is small. However, this is a very pressing problem and soon all modern equipment will switch to the 802.11ac standard. Don’t forget to take care of the security of your Internet access by installing a complex code on your Wi-Fi connection and an antivirus to protect your computer from virus software.

Wi-Fi standards - what they are and who sets them

Primary Wi-Fi standards were not designated in any way. They arose in 1996 and were used for three years. Information packages were downloaded and transmitted at a speed of about 1 Mbit/s, but at that time there was no talk of portable devices, and pages on the Internet “weighed” no more than 20 KB.

Initially, the new technology was not appreciated and was used for certain purposes:

• equipment debugging
• remote PC setup, etc.

At that time, only a few people had cell phones, and the concept of data transmission without cables became widespread only a few years later.

The lack of popularity did not affect the development of the protocol. Manufacturers have created devices that increase the power of the module when transferring information. The first Wi-Fi standards began to operate at double speed - 2 Mbit/s. An association of several companies began developing new technology that could provide higher throughput.

Important! Standards are officially developed by the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE). The non-profit organization's specialists help companies produce compatible devices.

Standard values