Info Image

The New 802.11ax WiFi Standard to be Known as Wi-Fi 6

The New 802.11ax WiFi Standard to be Known as Wi-Fi 6 Image Credit: Wi-Fi Alliance

Wi-Fi Alliance introduces Wi-Fi 6 that supports 802.11ax Wi-Fi technology. 

Wi-Fi 6 is part of a new naming approach by Wi-Fi Alliance that provides users with an easy-to-understand designation for both the Wi-Fi technology supported by their device and used in a connection the device makes with a Wi-Fi network. The generational terminology may also be used to designate previous Wi-Fi generations, such as 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) or 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). 

Each generation of Wi-Fi offers new features – faster speeds, increased throughput, and better experiences. Industry adoption of the new terminology will help users better understand the experience they can expect. Wi-Fi 6 will deliver an improved experience to address device and application needs in a range of consumer and enterprise environments. The generational terminology is expected to be widely adopted by the Wi-Fi ecosystem.

In addition to describing the capabilities of the device, device manufacturers or OS vendors can incorporate the generational terminology in User Interface (UI) visuals to indicate the current type of Wi-Fi connection. The UI visual will adjust as a device moves between Wi-Fi networks so users have real-time awareness of their device connection.

Beginning with Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Alliance certification programs based on major IEEE 802.11 releases will use a generational Wi-Fi name; Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 certification is coming in 2019.

Edgar Figueroa, President and CEO, Wi-Fi Alliance
For nearly two decades, Wi-Fi users have had to sort through technical naming conventions to determine if their devices support the latest Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Alliance is excited to introduce Wi-Fi 6, and present a new naming scheme to help industry and Wi-Fi users easily understand the Wi-Fi generation supported by their device or connection.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

PREVIOUS POST

Redline to Help Microsoft Airband Partners with its TV White Space Technology

NEXT POST

Semtech Partners Alibaba Cloud to Help Enterprises in China to Adopt LoRa Technology