Wireless Communication Technologies

5.4.2 Wireless Networks Standards

  • Radio wave properties are similar to ocean waves:

    • Amplitude (height of peaks), frequency (number of peaks per time), phase (angle at a point in time).

  • Modulation alters these properties to encode data into signals.

  • Radio waves are used in various communication forms, including broadcast television, AM, etc.

  • FM Radio, Military Communications, Electronics: Different applications of wireless technology.

  • Near Field Communication (NFC):

    • Short-distance wireless tech (less than 2 inches).

    • Enables smartphone interactions (files, payments).

Wi-Fi Standards

  • IEEE 802.11 Standards:

    • Established for wireless communications by the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers.

    • Standards define data encoding for radio signals.

Wi-Fi Generations and Characteristics

  • 802.11: 2 mbps, 2.4 GHz, 20 m indoor / 100 m outdoor.

  • 802.11a (1999): 54 Mbps, 5 GHz, 36 m indoor / 5 km outdoor.

  • 802.11b (1999): 11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, 120 m outdoor.

  • 802.11g: 54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, 38 m indoor / 140 m outdoor.

  • 802.11n: 600 Mbps, 2.4 & 5 GHz, 50 m indoor / 76 m outdoor.

  • 802.11ac: Up to 6.9 Gbps, 5 GHz, 35 m indoor / 66 m outdoor.

  • 802.11ax: Up to 9.6 Gbps, 2.4, 5, & 6 GHz, ranges depend on environment.

  • 802.11be (planned for 2024): Expected features include 9.4642 Gbps, 2.4 & 5 GHz, various indoor/outdoor ranges.

Importance of Wi-Fi Variants

  • Variations affect:

    • Network performance.

    • Features supported by the network.

    • Compatibility with devices.