Here come Wi-Fi 4, 5 and 6 in plan to simplify 802.11 networking names

Here come Wi-Fi 4, 5 and 6 in plan to simplify 802.11 networking names

6 years ago
Anonymous $oIHRkISgaL

https://www.cnet.com/news/wi-fi-alliance-simplifying-802-11-wireless-network-tech-names/

The idea is to be clearer about what's better and what your phone or home router can handle without sounding as much like an electronic engineer. Not that there's anything wrong with electronic engineers, but even techies can have a hard time remembering that IEEE 802.11 means wireless networks, IEEE 1394 governs FireWire data connections, and IEEE 802.3 is about Ethernet network connections.

The underlying Wi-Fi specifications will keep their IEEE technical names, of course. The Wi-Fi Alliance comes later in the development process, just before the point when consumers get involved, smoothing the way with compatibility tests that let device manufacturers put reassuring certification logos on their product boxes.