What is Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6?
In short, these are the next generation of wifi standard naming conventions adopted by the Wi-Fi Alliance for new and legacy devices from 802.11n to 802.11ax.
Now, let’s step back for a moment and talk about Wi-Fi. Traditionally, Wi-Fi connections use a router system to distributed wireless network communications to devices connected to its access point. From the access point, the wifi signal is pushed out to the device connected. The main issue is the signal is coming from a singular location within your home. This is a problem because wireless transmissions can suffer interference transmitting through objects such as walls, furniture, appliances, etc. So this means if your router is in the bedroom upstairs and you are in the basement watching a smart tv your connection will be minimal, especially compared to the connection closest to the bedroom.
Now lets talk mesh wifi, which takes the concept of pushing data to your devices and creates a “mesh” style “web-like” connection using multiple nodes/routers to distribute data connections throughout the space. This is far better due to the fact it sets up multiple units in the home where a wifi signal can be pushed to devices for better connection and fast speeds. Instead of sending a signal from just the bedroom, you can send a signal from the bedroom, kitchen, basement, etc. to more devices in the home with a better connection.
With these types of systems, you have wifi data transmission standards and features that dictate how much data is being sent over the network at a given time. Below is the newly updated names and features of the newest kid on the block:
