Wi‑Fi is a family of wireless networking technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. It enables devices to communicate over radio frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) without physical cabling. Wi‑Fi provides LAN connectivity for computers, smartphones, IoT devices, and home/enterprise networks.
Key Characteristics:
- Operates at OSI Layer 1 (Physical) and Layer 2 (Data Link)
- Uses radio waves for communication
- Supports multiple frequency bands (2.4/5/6 GHz)
- Backward‑compatible across generations
- Managed by the Wi‑Fi Alliance, which certifies interoperability
Common Generations:
- Wi‑Fi 4 (802.11n) — dual‑band, MIMO
- Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) — 5 GHz, MU‑MIMO
- Wi‑Fi 6/6E (802.11ax) — OFDMA, 6 GHz support
- Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) — 320 MHz channels, 4096‑QAM
Wi‑Fi is the dominant wireless LAN technology used in homes, businesses, and public networks.