Table of Contents
Introduction: The Wi-Fi Dilemma at Air Conditioner Vents
Have you ever noticed how Wi-Fi performance can vary? Placing your access point (AP) near an air conditioner vent can weaken the signal, causing buffering and interruptions. Wi-Fi performance is influenced by standards, frequency channels, and device placement. In this article, we’ll clear up the WLAN vs Wi-Fi confusion, explore key Wi-Fi protocols (802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be), and discuss how channels and AP deployment impact performance.
Ⅰ. Is WLAN the Same as Wi-Fi?
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a broad term for all wireless networks, including technologies like Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, and Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is just one of these technologies. Technically, “Wi-Fi” refers to a certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance, ensuring that devices comply with IEEE 802.11 standards and are interoperable. However, in common usage, people often use WLAN and Wi-Fi interchangeably. To clarify:
- WLAN is a general category of wireless networks, with Wi-Fi being one of its subsets.
- WLAN is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, which regulate wireless LAN communication, covering aspects like data transmission, signal interference, and network traffic management.
Ⅱ. What Are the 802.11 Wi-Fi Standards — From 802.11a to 802.11be?
- 802.11 (1997): The original standard, offering up to 2 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
- 802.11a (1999): Provides up to 54 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
- 802.11b (1999): Operates at 11 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
- 802.11g (2003): Combines features of 802.11a and 802.11b, delivering 54 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
- 802.11n (2009): Known as Wi-Fi 4, uses MIMO technology to reach up to 600 Mbps on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- 802.11ac (2013): Wi-Fi 5, primarily on the 5 GHz band, with speeds exceeding 1 Gbps.
- 802.11ax (2019): Wi-Fi 6, supports speeds up to 10 Gbps, optimized for high-density environments.
- 802.11be (2024): Wi-Fi 7, utilizes the 6 GHz band along with existing bands, offering enhanced speed and efficiency.
Ⅲ. Comparison of Protocols Underlying Wi-Fi Standards
| Standard | Release Year | Maximum Speed | Frequency Bands | Key Features | Supported Technologies |
| 802.11 | 1997 | 2 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | Original standard, basic wireless communication | Basic wireless transmission |
| 802.11a | 1999 | 54 Mbps | 5 GHz | Faster speed, higher frequency, less interference | OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) |
| 802.11b | 1999 | 11 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | Lower speed but wider compatibility | DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) |
| 802.11g | 2003 | 54 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | Combines features of 802.11a and 802.11b | OFDM, DSSS |
| 802.11n | 2009 | 600 Mbps | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz | Wi-Fi 4, introduced MIMO to enhance range and speed | MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), Channel Bonding |
| 802.11ac | 2013 | ＞1 Gbps | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz | Wi-Fi 5, focused on high-speed 5 GHz operation | MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO), 256-QAM, 80 MHz/160 MHz channels |
| 802.11ax | 2019 | 10 Gbps | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz (6 GHz in Wi-Fi 6E) | Wi-Fi 6, improved capacity in dense environments | OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), MU-MIMO |
| 802.11be | 2024 | ＞30 Gbps | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | Wi-Fi 7, leveraging 6 GHz for higher performance | MLO (Multi-Link Operation), 4096-QAM, 320 MHz channels |
Key Takeaways :
– 802.11ac: Focused on the 5 GHz band, ideal for high-speed data transmission.
– 802.11ax: Supports more devices, with increased use on the 2.4 GHz band, making it suitable for environments with many devices.
– 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7): Supports 320 MHz channels, offering ultra-high bandwidth and low latency—perfect for 4K/8K video streaming and AR/VR applications. Note that the 6 GHz band is not exclusive to Wi-Fi 6E; Wi-Fi 7 also supports it and better leverages its advantages.
Ⅳ. Impact of Wi-Fi Frequency on Coverage and Performanc
Choosing a Wi-Fi frequency directly affects signal coverage and quality:
– 2.4 GHz: Suitable for longer transmission distances. However, it is prone to interference from devices like Bluetooth gadgets and microwaves (due to heavy use of this band). It supports a maximum channel width of 40 MHz, but 20 MHz is often used in practice to reduce interference.
– 5 GHz: Faster with less interference, supporting 80 MHz and 160 MHz wide channels—ideal for high-bandwidth applications.
– 6 GHz: Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, with 320 MHz wide channels, making it suitable for ultra-high-bandwidth applications.
Ⅴ. What Are Wireless Device Protection Ratings?
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating, defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 60529), evaluates a device’s or enclosure’s resistance to solid particles (e.g., dust) and liquids (e.g., water).
Our products feature excellent IP protection, with the IP67 rating designed to meet a wide range of environmental needs:
- IP67: Known as the “golden standard” for outdoor APs, covering around 90% of outdoor deployment scenarios, including rooftops, parks, and street installations. It ensures full dust protection (no penetration even after prolonged exposure) and can withstand temporary immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes under standard conditions). Ideal for rain, splashes, and harsh outdoor environments. [Learn more about AP products]
Ⅵ. Best Practices for AP Deployment
Proper AP placement is crucial for optimal network performance. Consider these practical deployment tips:
- Avoid interference sources: Keep APs away from common 2.4 GHz interferers like microwaves and cordless phones. Avoid placing them near large metal objects and walls—opt for a central, open location to minimize signal attenuation and ensure even coverage.
- Smart channel planning: The 2.4 GHz band has only 3 non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11). Check your router’s settings to choose the least congested channels. The 5 GHz band offers more channels, so enabling auto-channel selection can simplify adjustments.
- Balance quantity and layout: In larger spaces, deploy a “cellular layout” with APs 5–8 meters apart to avoid signal overlap and interference. For smaller homes, place a single AP in the center, and add more in key areas (e.g., bedrooms or study rooms) for wider coverage.
- Ceiling mounting for better coverage: Mounting APs on the ceiling can expand coverage by over 30% compared to desktop placement, as it reduces obstruction from people and furniture. This is ideal for offices and malls, offering both aesthetic and performance benefits.
- Match IP rating to the environment: For outdoor use, select APs with an IP65 rating or higher for resistance to weather, dust, and moisture.
- Future-proof connectivity: WiFi 7 (802.11be) delivers higher throughput and lower latency for next-gen networks.
Ⅶ. Conclusion: What’s Next for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi 7 is already available in commercial products. It provides higher throughput, wider channel bandwidth, and lower latency relative to previous Wi-Fi generations. When choosing devices, it’s important to consider not only the WiFi standard, supported frequency bands, and deployment placement, but also the device’s protection rating — especially in outdoor or harsh environments. By understanding these factors, you can select the right equipment and build a truly optimized network experience.
For more information on our products, visit us or contact us directly for professional support.
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