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How Different Wi-Fi Standards Affect Internet Speeds

Everything we do at home — and where we spend our time in our workplaces — is increasingly dependent on Wi-Fi. And if you watch videos over the internet, play online games or work from home, the speed and consistency of your Wi-Fi connection can greatly impact your experience. Currently, Wi-Fi standards that you are using also have different effects.

Let’s take a look at what the Wi-Fi standard means what, how that impacts your internet speed, and which standard is best for you.

What Are Wi-Fi Standards?

Wi-Fi standards are Organizational standards defined and set by IEEE(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) to standardize 802.11 family. These are the rules that allow wireless devices to speak to one another.

The state of the art in Wi-Fi is bringing all of these and more, in terms of speed, range and efficiency, to users, with even more utility from wireless systems.

He talked to newsmax to explain the differences in the wireless standards.

In the meantime, newer generations of Wi-Fi, which are better than their predecessors, have zipped by us in the interim. Here’s a comparison of how the major Wi-Fi standards compare:

Wi-Fi StandardMaximum SpeedFrequency BandsIntroduced InBest For
Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b)11 Mbps2.4 GHz1999Basic web browsing
Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a)54 Mbps5 GHz1999Early wireless networking
Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)54 Mbps2.4 GHz2003General home use
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)600 Mbps2.4 GHz & 5 GHz2009Streaming and gaming
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)3.5 Gbps5 GHz20144K streaming, gaming
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)9.6 Gbps2.4 GHz & 5 GHz2019High-speed, multiple devices
Wi-Fi 6E9.6 Gbps2.4 GHz, 5 GHz & 6 GHz2020Future-proofing networks
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)46 Gbps2.4 GHz, 5 GHz & 6 GHz2024Ultra-fast, low latency

How Different Wi-Fi Standards Affect Internet Speed

3.1. Data Transfer Speed

✔ Newer Wi-Fi standards mean faster maximum speeds, so you can download, stream and play games with less lag.

✖#USB3 and #networking comparison of different generations along with specs respectable speeds say Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) max speeds of 600 Mbps & Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) runs upto 9.6 Gbps.

📢 Example: A wi-fi 4 router with a 1Gbps broadband plan cannot be used to its full potential. Making a move to the Wi-Fi 6 technology will lead to a much faster connection.

3.2. Frequency Bands

Wi-Fi operates on various frequency band:

✔ 2.4 GHz — Slow, but with better range

✔ 5 Giga Hertz – The fastest but has a limited range

✔ 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E) and faster (Wi-Fi 7) - Fastest, interference-free

💡 For example, if I had a ridiculous amount of stuff connected to the cheapest of the cheapest 2.4ghz, I would move to a 5ghz or 6ghz network to get things moving faster, as well as reduces congestion on the cheap 2.4ghz and shit.

3.3. As mentioned before, we are optimizing for congestion, as well as efficient use of the network.

✔ Older Wi-Fi standards may have trouble with lots of devices.

✔ Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 include MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) tech too, which enables routers to deal with multiple connections, at the same time, with no dip in speed.

💡 The payoff: If you’ve got a device-heavy household filled with smart phones, laptops, gaming consoles and smart TVs, an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 or 7 for your router can prevent everything from squeaking to a stop.

3.4. Latency, Gaming Performance Update

✔ Latency is important for gaming and video calls — the faster the information zips from point A to B, the better.

✔ Wi-Fi 6 (and Wi-Fi 7) offer low latency for less lag in online gaming and other real-time communication.

💡 For instance: If you’re lagging while gaming, try upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 to reduce lag.

3.5. Security and Reliability

✔ Newer Wi-Fi standards offer more powerful security systems, such as WPA3 encryption to help block hackers from getting in.

✔ Older routers such as WPA2 could be susceptible to a cyber-attack.

💡 How To: De-Oldify Your Wi-Fi 6 (or 7) Capable Wi-Fi Router A wifi router older than five years in your home or organisation will significantly add to speed, safety and experience.

Which Wi-Fi Standard is Best for You?

How fast a Wi-Fi era you choose much depends on your broadband aspirations, and how many things you want to connect.

User TypeRecommended Wi-Fi Standard
Basic web browsingWi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
HD Streaming & GamingWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Multiple Devices & 4K StreamingWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Future-Proof Home & BusinessWi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

Tips to Improve Wi-Fi Speed

So, if your wifi is a victim of slow internet and you are curios to know how can you get faster wifi, here are simple ways to increase your existing speed.

Old routers can slowdown the internet speed✔Routers If you don’t have one yet, get a Wi-Fi 6 (or Wi-Fi 7) router

✔Yes Placement: Central, away from walls and obstructions

✔ Wired over Wireless for Gaming & Streaming – If possible, use Ethernet for a steadfast connection

✔ Less Network Traffic — Remove devices if you do not want them to have access at all times

● Update Your Router The Router Firmware: Router Firmware helps improves performance & security.

Future of Wi-Fi Standards

But the world of Wi-Fi is a dynamic one. Here’s what the future holds:

✔ Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) — Up to 46 Gbps for 8K streaming, less latency, VR and smart homes

Over the previous years of the journey of routers, it went from room to room of every single house.

✔ Compatible With 5G — Wi-Fi and 5G Networks Complement Each Other You receive a smooth process.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi standards make a difference in speed, reliability and efficiency.

✔ If you’re currently using older generations of Wi-Fi, like Wi-Fi 4 or 5, switching over to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 is going to have a major impact on your overall internet experience.

✔ Most routers today support the appropriate frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz or 6GHz) for faster and more reliable connections.

✔Invest in a good router and fine-tune your network setting for best Wi-Fi experience.

A lot of how fast your internet is comes down to Wi-Fi standards and techniques. 🚀