In fact, WLAN and Wi-Fi are not one and the same. - Differentiating between authentic Wi-Fi and imitation Wi-Fi is crucial.
Wi-Fi and WLAN might seem like interchangeable terms, but they're not. While many folks use them synonymously, there's a subtle distinction between the two. To clear up the confusion, let's draw a comparison to tissues and Polaroid. Like how Kleenex and Polaroid became household names, Wi-Fi and WLAN share similar fame.
When someone asks for the Wi-Fi password, they're usually referring to their home's wireless network, despite the linguistic inaccuracy. WLAN, short for Wireless Local Area Network, operates within a specific range, such as our homes or public spaces like cafes. Wi-Fi, however, is a not just a type of WLAN but a brand name created by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a group in the network industry with major sponsors like Apple, Cisco, and Dell. The term Wi-Fi signifies a standard for wireless network connections that devices must meet to earn the Wi-Fi Alliance's certification.
WLAN and Wi-Fi: Similarities and Differences
WLAN refers to any wireless technology use for local area networking that does not rely on cables. On the other hand, Wi-Fi is a specific type of WLAN technology that follows the IEEE 802.11 standards. While any wireless network technology falls under the WLAN category, Wi-Fi ensures compatibility across different devices from various manufacturers.
Wi-Fi Standards Overview
As Wi-Fi technology surged in popularity, the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced various standards to boost its capabilities, including bandwidth and range. These standards, like Wi-Fi 1, Wi-Fi 2, and Wi-Fi 7, introduced progressive improvements while maintaining backward compatibility.
- Wi-Fi 1 had a maximum transmission rate of 11 Mbps and launched in 1999.
- Wi-Fi 2, introduced simultaneously with Wi-Fi 1, offered up to 54 Mbps by operating on higher frequency bands, but had a limited range.
- Wi-Fi 3, introduced in 2003, merged the benefits of Wi-Fi 1 and Wi-Fi 2, providing speeds up to 54 Mbps with a greater range.
- Wi-Fi 4, introduced in 2009, extended range and increased transmission rates up to 600 Mbps.
- Wi-Fi 5, introduced in 2014, supports speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps.
- Wi-Fi 6, or IEEE 802.11ax, introduced in 2019, offers a maximum bandwidth of 11 Gbps.
- Wi-Fi 7, or IEEE 802.11be, is the latest Wi-Fi standard, introduced in 2024, and transmits up to 46 Gbps and supports three frequency bands.
Key Points to Remember
- WLAN and Wi-Fi may appear synonymous, but they have subtle differences: Wi-Fi is a specific type of WLAN technology that adheres to the IEEE 802.11 standards while WLAN refers to all wireless technologies used for local area networking.
- Wi-Fi is more than just a standard; it's a trademarked term created by the Wi-Fi Alliance that requires products to meet certain requirements to earn certification.
- Wi-Fi standards have progressively evolved to increase speed, bandwidth, and range, making it an essential technology for modern communication and connectivity.
- Don't let outdated Wi-Fi technology limit your internet bandwidth, opt for the latest Wi-Fi standard when setting up your home network or investing in a mesh network that works with Wi-Fi 6.
The router is an essential device for connecting to a Wi-Fi network, as it acts as a hub for wireless signals. Without a router, devices cannot connect to the Wi-Fi network, even if it exists.
When configuring a home network, selecting a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standard is essential for maximizing speed and range. For instance, a router with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 compatibility can ensure optimal connectivity and minimized lag for multiple devices.
