2.2 - Wireless Technologies

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

802.11 Committee

Sets the standards for Wireless technologies.

Everyone followed these standards.

Wireless Generations

802.11ac is WiFi 5

802.11ax is WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E (extended)

802.11be is WiFi 7

Future versions will increment accordingly.

802.11 Frequencies

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz - Sometimes a combination.

802.11 Channels

Groups of frequencies, numbered by the IEEE.

Frequencies are managed by governing entities.

Using non-overlapping channels would be optimal.

802.11 Bandwidth

Refers to the amount of frequency in use.

20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, etc.

Bluetooth

For PAN wireless devices.

Uses the 2.4 GHz range

• Unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band.

• Same as 802.11

Short-range

• Most consumer devices operate to about 10 meters.

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)

It’s everywhere.

• Access badges.

• Inventory/assembly line tracking.

• Pet/Animal identification.

• Anything that needs to be tracked.

Radar technology

• Radio energy transmitted to the tag.

• RF powers the tag, ID is transmitted back.

• Bidirectional communication.

• Some tag formats can be active/powered.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

Two-way wireless communication

• Builds on RFID, which is mostly one-way.

Payment systems - Major credit cards, online wallets.

Bootstrap for other wireless.

• NFC helps with Bluetooth pairing.

Access token, identity “card”.

• Short range with encryption.

2.4 GHz Spectrum for 802.11 - North America

5 GHz Spectrum for 802.11 - North America

6 GHz Spectrum for 802.11 - North America