01
WiFi5 (802.11ac): The Starting Point of High Speed
WiFi5, released in 2013, is the first protocol focused on the 5GHz band, with a theoretical speed of up to 3.5Gbps (actual products range from about 1.3 to 2.3Gbps). It introduced 256-QAM modulation and 80MHz channel bandwidth, significantly improving single-device transmission efficiency, but only supports downlink MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output), making it difficult to handle multiple devices in concurrent scenarios.
Advantages: Mature and Stable: Widely adopted, low-cost devices, suitable for average home users.
Low Interference: Relies on the 5GHz band, resulting in less interference, suitable for high-bandwidth needs of single devices, such as HD video streaming.
Disadvantages: Poor Multi-device Performance: Supports only 4 data streams, and network congestion can occur in high-density device environments.
Single Frequency Band: The 2.4GHz band relies on older protocols (e.g., WiFi4), leading to inefficient mixed network performance.
Applicable Scenarios: Suitable for small households or users with lower network demands, such as web browsing or regular video streaming.
02
WiFi6 (802.11ax): Efficiency Revolution and Smart Connectivity
Released in 2019, WiFi6 expanded the frequency bands to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with a theoretical speed of up to 9.6Gbps. Its core innovations are OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and both uplink and downlink MU-MIMO, which divide the channel into smaller subcarriers to serve multiple devices simultaneously, improving network capacity and energy efficiency.
Technical Highlights: TWT (Target Wake Time): Optimizes device power consumption, extending the battery life of smart home devices.
BSS Coloring Technology: Reduces interference from neighboring networks, enhancing stability in high-density environments (e.g., malls, airports).
Advantages: High Concurrency Capability: Supports 8 data streams, suitable for smart homes and multi-user office environments.
Low Latency: Provides smoother experiences for gaming and real-time video calls.
Disadvantages: 6GHz Band Requires WiFi6E Support: Regular WiFi6 devices cannot utilize the 6GHz band, resulting in higher upgrade costs.
Applicable Scenarios: Multi-device homes, enterprise offices, online education, and mid-to-high-end gaming requirements.
03
WiFi7 (802.11be): The Divide Between Ultra-fast and the Future
WiFi7, expected to be fully commercialized by 2024, has a theoretical speed of up to 46Gbps and is the first to support three frequency bands (2.4/5/6GHz) and 320MHz ultra-wide channels. Its core technologies include 4096-QAM modulation and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing simultaneous aggregation of multiple frequency bands or channels for data transmission, achieving “wired-level” low latency (below 1ms).
Breakthrough Technologies: MRU (Multi-Resource Unit): Flexibly allocates spectrum resources, improving anti-interference ability.
Pilot Signal Puncturing: Allows data transmission using remaining spectrum even when a channel is partially occupied.
Advantages: Ultra-High Throughput: Supports 8K/VR streaming, metaverse applications, and industrial IoT.
Dynamic Spectrum Management: Maintains stable connections even in complex environments.
Disadvantages: High Hardware Costs: Initial devices are expensive, and full device support is required.
Frequency Band Limitations: The 6GHz band is not yet open in some countries (e.g., China), limiting performance.
Applicable Scenarios: High-end gaming, enterprise data centers, smart cities, and high-density public places.
04
WiFi8? The Undefined Future
Currently, the WiFi Alliance has only defined WiFi7 (802.11be), with no official “WiFi8” standard. Future technological evolution may focus on the terahertz frequency band or AI-driven dynamic network optimization, but further industry planning is needed.
05
Summary: How to Choose?
| Protocol | Wi-Fi | Date | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 802.11 | / | 1997 | Up to 2 Mbps |
| 802.11a/b/g | Wi-Fi | 1999-2003 | Up to 54 Mbps |
| 802.11n | Wi-Fi 4 | 2009 | Up to 600 Mbps |
| 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 5 | 2013 | Up to 6.9 Gbps |
| 802.11ax | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E | 2019-2021 | Up to 9.6 Gbps |
| 802.11be | Wi-Fi 7 | 2024 | Up to 46 Gbps |
Average Users: WiFi5 still meets basic needs, while WiFi6 offers better value for money.
Tech Enthusiasts and Enterprises: WiFi7 is the future investment direction, but compatibility and frequency band policies need to be assessed.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Confirm the terminal device support before upgrading to avoid “routers ahead of the curve, devices lagging behind.”
From speed to efficiency, each leap in WiFi technology reshapes digital life. Choose the protocol that suits you to truly unlock “wireless freedom.”
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