wifi6

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

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

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

Let us learn more about 802.11ax:

Jump to “802_11ax”

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

Let us learn more about 802.11ai:

Jump to “802_11ai”