Tired of slow download speeds when using your home or business’s Wi-Fi? Well, improvements might be right around the corner.
As reported by CNET, the Wi-Fi Alliance recently several improvements to the 802.11 family of Wi-Fi standards. Developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 802.11 uses Ethernet protocol and CSMA/CA to govern path sharing. Technical jargon aside, it’s the primary technology used for Wi-Fi connectivity. A consortium of industry professionals known as the Wi-Fi Alliance, however, is looking to improve the 802.11 family of Wi-Fi standards by introducing new features.
When speaking about the upcoming improvements, Kevin Robinson of the Wi-Fi Alliance explained that the average U.S. home has more than eight Wi-Fi devices. Like a city street, too much traffic on a wireless network creates congestion and slow speeds. Therefore, the Wi-Fi alliance is looking to increase network capacity with developments like the 802.11ax core Wi-Fi standard.
Currently, 802.11ac is the dominant Wi-Fi standard. The upcoming 802.11ax core standard, however, will support a larger network capacity; thus, increasing speeds in homes and businesses where multiple devices are used. If you notice slow speeds when connecting multiple devices to your Wi-Fi, the new standard could make a significant difference.
That’s not the only improvement coming to 802.11 Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi Alliance is also developing technology to allow multiple routers and network devices to transfer data seamlessly from one point to another. If a home or businesses used multiple routers, for instance, the new standard will allow these routers to work together for improved speed and performance.
So, when can you expect to see the new, faster 802.11ax core Wi-Fi standard available? While there’s been no official release data announced, Robinson says the first Wi-Fi adapter chips featuring this new standard should hit shelves later this year. However, it will likely take at least a year for the public to largely implement 802.11ax.
Dil Bole Oberoi
