Demystifying WiFi Technologies

In today’s interconnected world, WiFi technology has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, enabling us to stay connected, productive, and entertained wherever we go. However, understanding the intricacies of WiFi can be daunting, especially with the constant evolution of wireless networking standards and technologies.

What is WiFi?

WiFi, short for Wireless Fidelity, refers to a set of wireless networking technologies that enable devices to communicate with each other and connect to the internet without the need for physical wired connections. WiFi operates based on radio frequency signals, allowing devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and IoT devices to access networks and share data wirelessly.

Wired Ethernet cabling is still very popular within offices, and we do always say that wired is the easier and more performant way to connect to the internet. However, WiFi is very popular and is required where cabling is not available, or if you’re using a portable device in different places around a building.

How Does WiFi Work?

At its core, WiFi technology utilises radio waves to transmit data between devices and Access Points (APs). The process involves the following key components:

1. Access Points (APs): APs are devices that facilitate wireless communication within a network. They act as central hubs or transceivers, transmitting and receiving data between wireless devices and the wired network infrastructure.
2. Wireless Network Interface Cards (NICs): Wireless NICs are built-in or external components that enable devices (like a laptop or mobile phone) to connect to WiFi networks. These NICs communicate with APs using radio waves, allowing devices to send and receive data wirelessly.
3. Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum: WiFi operates within the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum, typically in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Devices communicate using specific channels within these bands, which can vary depending on the WiFi standard and regulatory domain.
4. Protocols and Standards: WiFi communication relies on various protocols and standards, such as IEEE 802.11, which define the rules and specifications for wireless networking. These standards govern aspects such as data rates, security mechanisms, and compatibility between devices.

WiFi Standards and Technologies

Over the years, WiFi technology has evolved through multiple generations, each introducing advancements in speed, range, and reliability. Some of the key WiFi standards and technologies include:

1. 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax: These are different iterations of the IEEE 802.11 standard, each offering improvements in data rates, frequency bands, and features. For example, 802.11n introduced MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology for increased throughput, while 802.11ac (also known as WiFi 5) introduced support for the 5 GHz band and MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) for improved performance in crowded environments. 802.11ax (also known as WiFi 6) is the most common WiFi standard used at the moment.
2. Mesh Networking: Mesh networking is a WiFi technology that uses multiple APs to create a single, seamless network with extended coverage and improved reliability. Mesh networks dynamically adapt to changes in the environment, optimising performance and ensuring consistent connectivity throughout a home or office.
3. WiFi Security Protocols: WiFi networks implement various security protocols, such as WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access 2) and WPA3, to encrypt data and protect against unauthorized access. These protocols use techniques like encryption keys, authentication mechanisms, and secure handshake protocols to secure wireless communication.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the different WiFi standards:

Can I use the latest WiFi technology?

To take advantage of newer WiFi technology, both your Wireless Access Point (WAP) and the devices connecting to it need to support the same WiFi standard. Compatibility is crucial for the following reasons:

1. WAP Compatibility: Your Wireless Access Point, also known as a router or access point, must support the newer WiFi standard to enable the enhanced features and capabilities it offers. If your WAP only supports older WiFi standards, you won’t be able to benefit from the higher speeds, improved efficiency, and advanced features of the newer technology.
2. Device Compatibility: Similarly, the devices (such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, IoT devices, etc.) that connect to your WAP need to support the same WiFi standard to fully utilise its capabilities. If your devices only support older WiFi standards, they won’t be able to take advantage of the faster speeds and other benefits offered by the newer technology. Most new laptops in 2023/24 only contain WiFi 6 chips, but we would expect to see WiFi 7 included in laptops in the latter half of 2024.
3. Interoperability: Both the WAP and the devices must be compatible and interoperable with each other to establish a reliable and efficient wireless connection. Incompatibility between the WAP and the devices can lead to connectivity issues, slow speeds, and reduced performance.
4. Upgrade Considerations: When upgrading your WiFi infrastructure or purchasing new devices, it’s essential to consider compatibility with the latest WiFi standards. Investing in compatible WAPs and devices ensures that you can leverage the full potential of the newer technology and future-proof your network for upcoming advancements.
5. Backward Compatibility: While it’s important to have compatible WAPs and devices for optimal performance, most WiFi standards also offer backward compatibility with older standards. This means that newer devices can typically connect to older WAPs, albeit at lower speeds or without access to the advanced features of the newer standard.

In summary, to fully utilise the benefits of newer WiFi technology, such as faster speeds, improved efficiency, and advanced features, it’s essential to ensure compatibility between your WAP and the devices connecting to it. By investing in compatible infrastructure and devices, you can enhance your wireless network performance and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly connected world.