What kind of Wi-Fi do you need? An overview of wireless Internet standards.

Different generations of Wi-Fi standards

Wi-Fi is not a single technology, but a whole series of standards that have been evolving since 1999. Each new generation of wireless communication is like a new version of a road: the same route, but wider, faster and with better coverage. And each such standard is designated by its own code: 802.11 + a Latin letter (or a combination thereof). Below, we will look at the features of all Wi-Fi standards in turn.

Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b) — the first mass-market standard

It was this standard that, in 1999, marked the start of widespread Wi-Fi use in homes and offices. Wi-Fi 1 operated at 2.4 GHz and offered speeds of up to 11 Mbps — a real marvel for its time. By today’s standards, it’s like a narrow dirt track: you can get there, but slowly and with limitations. Today, this standard is completely obsolete and is not found in any modern device.

Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a) — faster, but not for everyone

It appeared at the same time as Wi-Fi 1, but took a different path — operating at 5 GHz and delivering speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Other differences with Wi-Fi 2 include fewer obstacles and a smaller coverage area. Due to the higher cost of the equipment, the standard never made it beyond the corporate sector and did not become widely adopted among home users.

Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) — the compromise that won the day

Wi-Fi 3 took the best of its two predecessors: the 54 Mbps speed from Wi-Fi 2 and the availability of the 2.4 GHz band from Wi-Fi 1. It was this standard that gained extraordinary popularity: for several years, it dominated home networks around the world. To use a road analogy: finally, proper tarmac instead of a gravel surface.

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — a reliable classic

Released in 2009, Wi-Fi 4 is still found in millions of homes and continues to perform its job quite well. It operates simultaneously on two frequencies — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz — and theoretically offers speeds of up to 600 Mbps.

If we compare it to a road, Wi-Fi 4 is a dual-carriageway. For a small home with a few devices, this is quite sufficient. But if a dozen devices are connected at the same time and everyone is downloading something, traffic jams start to occur.

Wi-Fi 4 is suitable for those who use the Internet moderately: browsing, social media, HD videos. If your router is relatively new and everything is working without a hitch, there’s no need to change anything. But if your router is outdated and only supports the 802.11n standard at best, it’s worth considering upgrading your device.

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — faster and more stable

Wi-Fi 5 was introduced in 2013 and represented a real step forward. It operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band, making it less prone to interference from microwaves, neighbouring networks and other devices. The theoretical speed is up to 6.9 Gbps.

Returning to the road analogy: Wi-Fi 5 is now a four-lane motorway. More cars are travelling faster and without traffic jams. It is this standard that is currently the most widespread in modern mid-range routers.

Wi-Fi 5 is suitable for households with several active users, 4K streaming enthusiasts and gamers. If there are 5-10 connected devices at home, Wi-Fi 5 will cope without any problems.

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — just what ‘smart homes’ need

Wi-Fi 6 represents a whole new operating philosophy. It was launched in 2019 and has transformed not only speeds but also the very approach to managing multiple devices simultaneously. The theoretical speed is up to 9.6 Gbps, but that’s not the main point.

If previous standards can be compared to a normal road, then Wi-Fi 6 is a smart motorway with a traffic management system. The router «communicates» with several devices simultaneously, rather than one at a time, which drastically reduces latency under heavy load.

Wi-Fi 6E deserves a special mention — an extended version of the standard that appeared in 2021 and adds a third 6 GHz band. This is a virtually uncluttered band with no obstacles: ideal for densely built-up areas where neighbouring networks literally interfere with one another.

Wi-Fi 6 is suitable for large families where 15 or more devices are in use simultaneously — smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, smart speakers, cameras — and ensures you don’t experience any drop in speed during peak hours.

Incidentally, it is Wi-Fi 6 that Maxnet’s equipment supports as part of its home Internet service: this ensures that the incoming speed matches the speed on your device, rather than being lost somewhere along the way.

Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) — the future is already here

Wi-Fi 7 was officially launched in 2024 and currently represents the pinnacle of wireless network technology. The theoretical speed of this standard is up to 46 Gbps, which is five times faster than Wi-Fi 6. But speed is not its main advantage.

For the first time, 7th-generation Wi-Fi allows a device to use all three bands — 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz — simultaneously as a single wide channel. It’s like having one large motorway instead of three separate roads, with no switching or delays.

For now, this is the standard for those who want equipment that will remain future-proof for years to come. For most home needs, Wi-Fi 6 remains more than sufficient.

You can read more about the features of the Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 standards here.

Which Wi-Fi frequency to choose: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 6 GHz

As well as the standard generation, Wi-Fi routers differ in their operating frequency, and it is also important to understand this:

• 2.4 GHz is a longer wavelength, which penetrates walls better and covers a larger area. However, this is the frequency used by most neighbouring networks and household appliances, so there is more interference and less stability.
• 5 GHz is a shorter wavelength, faster and clearer. The channel bandwidth is wider here than at 2.4 GHz, so there is less interference and higher speeds. However, the signal does not penetrate ceilings and walls as well.
• 6 GHz is the newest band, available only on routers supporting Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. It is practically an empty band: most devices do not yet use it, so there is almost no interference. Maximum speed, minimal latency — ideal for high-quality streaming, online gaming and VR. The only downside is the same as with 5 GHz: sensitivity to physical interference, as walls and ceilings weaken the signal.

If you’re far from the router or there are several walls between you, choose 2.4 GHz: the signal will be more stable. If your device is nearby and speed is important, switch to 5 GHz. And if your router supports the 6 GHz band and your device is in the same room, go ahead and use it: you’ll get maximum speed with minimal interference.

How to tell which Wi-Fi standard you currently have

The easiest way to find out your Wi-Fi standard is to look at the bottom of your router’s casing or in its settings. The standard or generation is usually listed there. If your router was purchased before 2015, it is most likely Wi-Fi 4. After 2018, it will be Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6.

If you’re connected to the Internet via Maxnet and want to find out which equipment is best suited to your tariff, please contact customer support. Our specialists will advise you on whether you should upgrade your router and which standard will fully unlock your connection speed.

How to choose the right Wi-Fi speed standard

If you have Wi-Fi 4, now is the time to consider upgrading, as this standard is already becoming obsolete. For a small flat and moderate use, Wi-Fi 5 will be quite sufficient. A family consisting of active users with a large number of home devices should consider Wi-Fi 6. If you want equipment that will last for the next 5-7 years, look at Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.

The golden rule: the Wi-Fi standard must match not only your router, but also your Internet speed and the number of devices on the network. Even the most expensive router won’t help if your provider’s bandwidth is limited. Conversely, fast Internet will be a let-down if the router can’t distribute it effectively.