Differences Exist Between WLAN and Wi-Fi Networks - The Distinction between Wi-Fi and WiFi: an Explanation
In the realm of wireless communication, two terms often find themselves in the spotlight: WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and Wi-Fi. While they share some similarities, they are not exactly the same.
WLAN, in essence, encompasses various standards and technologies that allow wireless communication within a localised area. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is a specific standard for wireless communication, widely used to establish WLAN connections. It is a brand name owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Not all WLAN systems use the Wi-Fi standard, but it is the most common and widely adopted.
Both WLAN and Wi-Fi provide wireless connectivity, allowing devices to communicate without physical cables. They offer coverage over a local area, such as homes, offices, or schools, making them suitable for establishing networks within a limited geographical space. Additionally, they both use radio frequencies for data transmission, typically operating on bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
One key difference lies in their technological compliance. Not all WLAN systems use the Wi-Fi standard, and other technologies could be used to implement WLANs. However, in many cases, the terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are used interchangeably due to the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi technology in WLANs.
As for the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology, Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), the currently widespread version, offers a maximum bandwidth of 11 Gbps. Preceding this, Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac), introduced in 2014, supports speeds of up to several 1.3 Gigabits per second (Gbps). Wi-Fi 4 (IEEE 802.11n), introduced in 2009, extended the range and increased the transmission rate to up to 600 Mbps. Wi-Fi 2 (IEEE 802.11a), introduced simultaneously with 802.11b in 2003, provides up to 54 Mbps but operates on higher frequency bands, resulting in a shorter range.
When setting up a home network, it's often best to opt for a router with the latest Wi-Fi standard, but this may not always be necessary depending on the number of devices in the network. For instance, investing in a mesh network that works with Wi-Fi 6 may be a smarter choice than purchasing an expensive Wi-Fi 7 router to avoid bottlenecks in internet bandwidth.
It's important to note that devices without Wi-Fi certification can still communicate using the Wi-Fi standard, but not every wireless network uses the Wi-Fi standard for communication. The Wi-Fi Alliance, an organisation in the network industry, describes a standard for wireless network connections under the Wi-Fi brand name. The Wi-Fi Alliance's main sponsors include Apple, Cisco, Dell, Sony, and Qualcomm.
Other examples of wireless communication standards include Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, and satellite communication. The Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced several wireless standards over time, improving the bandwidth and range of Wi-Fi. The latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), introduced in 2024, transmits up to 46 Gbps and offers three frequency bands (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) for the first time.
In summary, while WLAN and Wi-Fi share many similarities, they are not the same. WLAN is a broader term that encompasses various standards and technologies, while Wi-Fi is a specific standard within this category. With advancements in technology, Wi-Fi continues to evolve, offering faster speeds and wider coverage for wireless networks.
The Commission, in its pursuit of employee safety, has also proposed a directive on the approximation of laws related to chemical substances in workplaces. This proposal aligns with the increasing integration of technology in our homes and offices, such as smart-home-devices and gadgets that rely on data-and-cloud-computing. As the Wi-Fi standard continues to advance, with Wi-Fi 7 transmitting up to 46 Gbps, these technologies can expect faster and more efficient wireless communication.
