No items found.

Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6 and 7: which one should you choose ?

How to choose the version of your wi-fi devices ? Signal rate, MU-MIMO, frequencies, all these terms will no longer be a secret for you !
September 12, 2024

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi (contraction of Wireless Fidelity) is “a local area network launched in 1997 that uses radio waves to wirelessly link several computer devices together to facilitate the transmission of data. Governed by the IEEE 802.11 standards, Wi-Fi is mainly used to connect devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to high-speed links.” 1

What is Wi-Fi 5?

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), introduced in 2013, operates on the 5 GHz band and allows theoretical speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps. It uses technologies like 256-QAM modulation and MIMO to improve the speed and capacity of wireless networks, meeting the needs of HD streaming and online gaming.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), launched in 2019, offers theoretical speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps and improves network efficiency in dense environments. With technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, it allows more devices and users to connect simultaneously while extending battery life through better power management.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Expected for 2024, Wifi 7 (802.11be) promises theoretical speeds of up to 40 Gbps. It introduces innovations such as CMU-MIMO and 320 MHz channels, aiming to revolutionize connectivity for applications like virtual reality and smart homes.

What are 802.11 Wi-Fi standards?

802.11 standards were defined to respond to Wi-Fi technology. These are made up of five digits (802.11) and one or more letters that differentiate each generation.

What changes between the different standards:

  • The maximum signal rate (in bit/s): It allows you to know the speed of the information transfer
  • Signal range (in m): It allows you to know the geographical distance up to which it is possible to receive Wi-Fi
  • Signal frequency (in GHz): Composed of short waves, it allows wireless operation of Wi-Fi. The two frequencies most used today are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
  • MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output Technology): It makes the Wi-Fi signal more efficient by multiplying the number of radio waves used to transmit information. The waiting time is therefore reduced.

The initial IEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard

The initial standard called the IEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard was introduced in 1997. Its effectiveness was very limited. The latter had a range of 20m for a maximum speed of 2 Mb/s with the frequency 2.4 GHz and did not have MIMO technology.

The most commonly used IEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standards

Wi-Fi 4 Wi-Fi 5 Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 7
Nom IEE 802.11 n IEEE 802.11ac IEEE 802.11ax
IEEE 802.11be
Caractéristiques Très haut débit, optimisation de l’utilisation de la fibre optique Augmentation significative du débit Augmentation significative du débit Vitesse de chargement augmentée Latence réduite par rapport au WiFi 6
Fréquences 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz

 

5 GHz

 

 

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz

 

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Portée du signal

70 m (2.4 GHz),

35 m (5 GHz)

 

35m

 

 

35m

 

35m 35m
Débit de signal max.

288 Mb/s (2.4 GHz)

600 Mb/s (5 GHz)

5 300 Mb/s

 

10 530 Mb/s

 

Environ

11 000 Mb/s

40 000 Mb/s

MIMO No Yes Yes
Yes
Statut Actuel Actuel Actuel Actuel A venir

ARTICLES

Blog

Dive into our blog articles where we break down key tech market terms and showcase our latest innovations!

VIEW ALL
No items found.
October 1, 2024

What is an Android Box and how to turn your TV into a smart TV?

Transform your TV into a smart TV with an Android Box from STRONG! Learn how our easy-to-use, affordable devices can upgrade your television and give you access to thousands of apps and streaming services.
No items found.
October 1, 2024

HD, FHD, UHD, 4K : What are the differences ?

The main difference between an HD, FHD, UHD, or 4K television is that the 4K television will have a sharper picture than an HD television.
No items found.
September 13, 2024

Mesh Technology : the solution to your Wi-Fi connection

The access points automatically connect to each other to create an ultra-fast, stable, reliable and secure Wi-Fi network.

Native support

Over 15 langages spoken natively

Complete FAQ

View questions >

4 years warranty

For all Home Networking products

Follow us