Wi-Fi Gets Simplified Version Numbers and Next Version is Wi-Fi 6

It is — Wi-Fi is 802.11ac.

I am sure many of us can’t answer this question immediately
because the Wi-Fi technology doesn’t have a traditional format of
version numbers… at least until yesterday.

The Wi-Fi Alliance—the group that manages the implementation of
Wi-Fi—has today announced that the next version of WiFi standard,
which is 802.11ax, will use a simpler naming scheme and will be
called WiFi 6.

Wi-Fi 6, based on the IEEE 802.11ax standard, will offer higher
data rates, increased capacity, good performance—even in dense
environments (such as stadiums or public venues) and improved power
efficiency, making it perfect choice for smart home and IoT uses).

Of course, the updated version names of all previous Wi-Fi
standards will now be:

• 802.11b → Wi-Fi 1
• 802.11a → Wi-Fi 2
• 802.11g → Wi-Fi 3
• 802.11n → Wi-Fi 4,
• 802.11ac (current) → Wi-Fi 5

This new straightforward approach will make it easy for users to
recognize which WiFi version their devices support and run, helping
them to keep their devices up-to-date with the latest advanced WiFi
capabilities.

“To help users identify devices that provide the latest Wi-Fi
experience, Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced simplified generational
names that may appear in device names and product descriptions,”
the WiFi Alliance says.

“Wi-Fi devices supporting the latest generation of connectivity
are based on the 802.11ax standard and are known as Wi-Fi 6
devices.”

Besides this, the Wi-Fi Alliance also expects manufacturers,
operators and software developers to adopt these simple numerical
indicators into their user interfaces, instead of classic lettered
versions, as shown in the example screenshot.

That’s really helpful, and a great move by the WiFi Alliance.
These names will be a useful guide for users buying devices that
connect to WiFi, like routers and smartphones, which will likely
come marked with “WiFi 6” certifications.

What do you think about the new naming approach? Let us know in
the comments below.