Fascinating world of WiFi and Wi-Fi: differences and future prospects

Fascinating world of WiFi and Wi-Fi: differences and future prospects

The importance of wireless networks in the digital era

The world of the Internet is constantly changing, and the terms WLAN and Wi-Fi play a crucial role. They are often used as synonyms for wireless networks. But what exactly differentiates WiFi from Wi-Fi?

Basically, WLAN stands for "Wireless Local Area Network" and describes a local, wireless network that enables devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops without being dependent on cables. In contrast, Wi-Fi stands for "Wireless Fidelity" and was introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 1999. This organization has set itself the task of ensuring the interoperability between different WLAN-capable devices.

Developments in the world of wireless networks

The first introduction of Wi-Fi in 1999 marked a milestone in the history of wireless networks. Since then, the IEEE-802.11 standard has continued to develop. Different versions of this standard, such as A/B/G/N/AC/AX, have continuously improved the performance and efficiency of Wi-Fi.

The version 802.11ax, better known as Wi-Fi 6, has been in use since 2019. This version offers higher speeds and improved performance, especially in heavily populated areas. Another development is Wi-Fi 6e that uses the 6 GHz frequency band to increase the data throughput and reduce the loading of the channels.

The latest generation, Wi-Fi 7 or 802.11be, is already under development. Certification is running and it is expected that Wi-Fi 7 by 2028 will be used on over 2.1 billion devices worldwide. This version promises even higher speeds and improved responsiveness for users.

The continuous development of Wi-Fi shows how important wireless networks are in our increasingly digital world. It remains exciting to see which innovations the future of this decisive element of internet connectivity has.

- Nag