Wi-Fi is split up into standards that are used for different wireless connections and run at different rates of download and upload speeds. They also run on different bands of Wi-Fi which are 2.4GHz and 5GHz. All standards start with 802.11 as that is the foundation to all the standards, first created in 1997 as the WLAN (wireless local area network). 802.11 is named after the group formed to monitor its developments. Unfortunately, the first standard (802.11) was very slow with speeds of 2MBps (megabits per second), which is no longer useful so it is no longer manufactured. Other attributes where built on top of this foundation to improve and change it.

Best Speed and Range: 802.11ac

The best compatible standard of Wi-Fi is 802.11ac as it has the fastest possible speed and the maximum range. This standard is so spectacular it is described to be on par with wired internet. The downside is it is the most expensive to implement. The improvement in speed is only noticeable in high bandwidth applications.

A Cheaper Option: 802.11n

The next Wi-Fi standard is 802.11n, it is useful for providing significant bandwidth improvements from previous standards. It is also widely supported across devices and network gear. It is more expensive than 802.11g but is much better. The use of multiple signals may interfere with nearby 802.11b/g orientated networks.

Avoid this Standard: 802.11g

802.11g standard is the slowest and oldest standard that is supported by wireless and network devices in day to day use and is the least costly option.

Home and Business

Most Home and Business owners looking to buy network gear face multiple choices on what standard they are going to use. Lots of products either confirm to 802.11a, 820.11b/g/n or 802.11ac wireless standards collectively known as Wi-Fi technologies. Standards 802.11ax, 802.11ay and 802.11az are still in the approval process

Here is a list of all standards:

• - 802.11a: 54 Mbps standard, 5 GHz signaling (ratified 1999)
• - 802.11ac: 3.46Gbps standard, supports 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies through 802.11n
• - 802.11ad: 6.7 Gbps standard, 60 Ghz signaling (2012)
• - 802.11ah: Creates extended-range Wi-Fi networks that go beyond the reach of a typical 2.4 Ghz or 5 GHz networks
• - 802.11aj: Approved in 2017; primarily for use in China
• - 802.11ax: Approval expected 2018
• - 802.11ay: Approval expected 2019
• - 802.11az: Approval expected 2019
• - 802.11b: 11 Mbps standard, 2.4 GHz signaling (1999)
• - 802.11c: Operation of bridge connections (moved to 802.1D)
• - 802.11d: Worldwide compliance with regulations for use of wireless signal spectrum (2001)
• - 802.11e: Quality of Service support (2005) to improve delivery of delay-sensitive applications, such as Voice Wireless LAN and streaming multimedia
• - 802.11F: Inter-Access Point Protocol recommendation for communication between access points to support roaming clients (2003)
• - 802.11g: 54 Mbps standard, 2.4 GHz signaling (2003)
• - 802.11h: Enhanced version of 802.11a to support European regulatory requirements (2003)
• - 802.11i: Security improvements for the 802.11 family (2004)
• - 802.11j: Enhancements to 5 GHz signaling to support Japan regulatory requirements (2004)
• - 802.11k: WLAN system management
• - 802.11m: Maintenance of 802.11 family documentation
• - 802.11n: 100+ Mbps standard improvements over 802.11g (2009)
• - 802.11p: Wireless Access for the Vehicular Environment
• - 802.11r: Fast roaming support using Basic Service Set transitions
• - 802.11s: ESS mesh networking for access points
• - 802.11T: Wireless Performance Prediction — recommendation for testing standards and metrics
• - 802.11u: Internetworking with cellular and other forms of external networks
• - 802.11v: Wireless network management and device configuration
• - 802.11w: Protected Management Frames security enhancement
• - 802.11y: Contention-Based Protocol for interference avoidance