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.