WiFi versies
WiFi is a certain standard that allows wireless connection to the network.
Since the introduction of WiFi in 1988 (and its first use in a consumer computer in 1999), the technology has changed greatly, expressed in different versions.
To avoid confusion, the WiFi Alliance has simplified the names of the versions.
Below is a list of the new versions, with their more technical version number and brief specifications.
| WiFi 1 | 802.11 | 2Mbps | 1997 |
| WiFi 2 | 802.11b | 11Mbps | 1999 |
| WiFi 3 | 802.11g | 54Mbps | 2003 |
| WiFi 4 | 802.11n | 600Mbps | 2009 |
| WiFi 5 | 802.11ac | 6933Mbps | 2012 |
| WiFi 6 | 802.11ax | 9608Mbps | 2018 |
| WiFi 7 | 802.11be | 46120Mbps | 2024 |
Speeds listed are theoretical maximum speeds of the technology.
Beyond speed improvements, many improvements have been made in terms of security and reliability.
As of WiFi 7, 6GHz will also be available as a default frequency for even faster speeds.
WiFi devices are usually 'backwards compatible', meaning they can connect to devices with an older WiFi version (at reduced speed)
Conclusion
These days, we cannot imagine our lives without WiFi.
Newer versions of WiFi are always much better than older versions.
The latest version between the 2 devices used with each other is used for communication. So it is not enough to upgrade 1 of the 2 devices.
