wifi6
===============

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   wifi6/802_11ax
   wifi6/802_11ai

Wi-Fi protocols define wireless communication standards that govern speed, frequency, and range for devices on a wireless local area network (WLAN).


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   * - Protocol
     - Description
     - Use Case
   * - 802.11ax
     - Known as Wi-Fi 6, it operates in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands with improved efficiency and capacity using OFDMA and MU-MIMO. *Designed for dense environments and high device counts.*
     - High-density areas, smart homes, IoT, enterprise and public Wi-Fi networks
   * - 802.11ai
     - Introduces Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) to significantly reduce connection and authentication times. *Enhances user experience with faster network access in dense or high-mobility environments.*
     - Public hotspots, enterprise Wi-Fi, high-density venues, and mobile scenarios requiring rapid secure connections


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   .. tab-item:: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

      **IEEE Standard:** IEEE 802.11ax-2021

      **Main Features:**

      - Operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (and 6 GHz in Wi-Fi 6E)
      - Uses OFDMA and uplink/downlink MU-MIMO for high efficiency
      - Supports BSS Coloring to reduce interference in dense deployments
      - Improves battery life with Target Wake Time (TWT)
      - Offers higher throughput and lower latency in crowded environments

      **Use Cases:**

      - High-density environments: stadiums, airports, enterprises
      - IoT networks with many connected devices
      - Streaming 4K/8K video, gaming, and real-time applications

      **Alternative or Related Protocols:**

      - 802.11ac – Previous generation high throughput
      - 802.11be – Next-gen Wi-Fi 7
      - 802.11ax-6E – Extended 6 GHz spectrum support

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         **Let us learn more about 802.11ax:**

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   .. tab-item:: 802.11ai (Fast Initial Link Setup)

      **IEEE Standard:** IEEE 802.11ai-2016

      **Main Features:**

      - Introduces Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) to reduce connection and authentication times to under 100 milliseconds
      - Supports secure and rapid network access in dense and high-mobility environments
      - Enhances user experience by minimizing delays during network join and roaming
      - Works alongside existing security protocols like WPA2/WPA3

      **Use Cases:**

      - Public hotspots requiring fast and secure connections
      - Enterprise Wi-Fi networks with frequent client mobility
      - High-density venues with many simultaneous device connections
      - Mobile scenarios demanding rapid handoffs and minimal latency

      **Alternative or Related Protocols:**

      - 802.11ax – Efficient multi-user and dense environment support
      - 802.11r – Fast BSS transitions for roaming
      - 802.11u – Interworking with external networks and improved discovery

      .. panels::
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         **Let us learn more about 802.11ai:**

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            Jump to "802_11ai"