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Takeaway:  IEEE 802.11ac is the next generation wireless networking protocol as the successor of IEEE 802.11n.

What is 802.11?

IEEE 802.11 is a group of physical layer standards that provide the foundation for wireless networks.

802.11 Timeline:

  • 1997:  802.11 – 1 or 2 Mbps in 2.4 GHz spectrum (Legacy)
  • 1999:  802.11a – 54 Mbps in 5 GHz spectrum
  • 1999:  802.11b – 11 Mbps in 2.4 GHz spectrum
  • 2003:  802.11g –  54 Mbps in 2.4 GHz spectrum
  • 2009:  802.11n – 600 Mbps in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum

802.11n vs. 802.11ac

802.11ac offers the freedom of a wireless network combined with the capabilities of Gigabit Ethernet.  In a 5.0 GHz spectrum, 802.11ac will provide up to 500Mbps (single) or 1000 Mbps (multi).  Final ratification for 802.11ac expected in December 2013.

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