History of WiFi: From Inception to the Future | Tech-Knowledge
- Subir Biswas
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Introduction
The History of WiFi is a story of innovation, speed, and connectivity. From its modest beginnings in 1997 to the ultra-fast, intelligent networks of today, WiFi has become the backbone of modern communication. This article explores each generation of WiFi, its technological milestones, and what the future holds.
WiFi Generations: A Detailed Timeline
WiFi 1 (802.11) – 1997
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Max Speed: 2 Mbps
Key Features:
First wireless LAN protocol
Extremely limited speed and range
Mainly used in niche enterprise environments
WiFi 2 (802.11b) – 1999
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Max Speed: 11 Mbps
Key Features:
Affordable and widely adopted
Prone to interference from household devices
Enabled early consumer wireless networking
WiFi 3 (802.11g) – 2003
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Max Speed: 54 Mbps
Key Features:
Backward compatible with 802.11b
Improved speed
Still suffered from interference
WiFi 4 (802.11n) – 2009
Frequency: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Max Speed: 600 Mbps
Key Features:
Introduced MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output)
Dual-band support
Better range and reliability
WiFi 5 (802.11ac) – 2014
Frequency: 5 GHz
Max Speed: 1.3 Gbps (theoretical up to 3.5 Gbps)
Key Features:
Beam forming for focused signal transmission
MU-MIMO for multiple device support
Ideal for HD streaming and gaming
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) – 2019
Frequency: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Max Speed: 9.6 Gbps
Key Features:
OFDMA for efficient multi-device communication
Target Wake Time (TWT) for IoT battery savings
Enhanced performance in crowded environments
WiFi 6E – 2020
Frequency: 6 GHz
Max Speed: 9.6 Gbps
Key Features:
Access to new spectrum
Less interference
More bandwidth for high-density areas
WiFi 7 (802.11be) – 2024
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz & 6 GHz
Max Speed: Up to 46 Gbps
Key Features:
Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous band usage
320 MHz channels for massive throughput
4096-QAM for dense data encoding
Designed for AR/VR, 8K streaming, and cloud gaming
The Evolution of WiFi in a Table
The Future of WiFi
WiFi 8 (802.11bn) – Expected ~2028
Focus: Ultra High Reliability (UHR)
Expected Features:
TXOP Preemption for real-time traffic prioritisation
AI-driven channel management
Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) for better spectrum efficiency
In-device coexistence with cellular networks
Latency optimisation for autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, and industrial automation
AI and 5G Integration
AI will optimize bandwidth allocation, predict congestion, and adapt to user behavior in real time. 5G convergence will allow seamless transitions between WiFi and cellular networks, ideal for smart cities and mobile users.
WiFi Monetization & Smart Environments
Businesses will use WiFi as a marketing tool, offering personalized experiences via guest networks. Smart homes, stadiums, and airports will rely on WiFi 7/8 for managing thousands of devices simultaneously.
WiFi Chip Manufacturers:
This table includes a detailed comparison of WiFi 7 chipset manufacturers, specifically focusing on industry leaders such as Qualcomm, Broadcom, MediaTek, Intel, and several other notable companies. Each of these manufacturers plays a crucial role in the development and deployment of WiFi 7 technology, which is designed to enhance wireless connectivity by offering increased speeds, improved efficiency, and lower latency compared to its predecessors. In this comparison, we delve into various aspects of each manufacturer’s offerings, including their chipset specifications, performance benchmarks, power consumption metrics, and unique features that differentiate them in the competitive landscape of wireless technology. Qualcomm, for instance, is renowned for its innovative approach, often integrating advanced features like multi-link operation and enhanced beamforming capabilities into its chipsets. Broadcom, on the other hand, focuses heavily on optimizing the performance of its WiFi 7 solutions for high-density environments, making it a preferred choice for enterprise-level deployments. MediaTek provides a compelling alternative with its cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on performance, making it a popular choice among manufacturers of consumer-grade devices. Intel, known for its robust research and development, is also making strides in the WiFi 7 arena, particularly with its focus on seamless integration with other technologies, such as 5G and edge computing. The table aims to give readers a comprehensive overview of how each manufacturer aligns their technology with current market demands and future trends, ensuring that consumers and businesses alike can make informed decisions when selecting WiFi 7 chipsets for their devices. By analyzing these companies’ strengths and weaknesses, stakeholders can better understand the evolving landscape of wireless communication and the implications of adopting WiFi 7 technology.
FAQs: History of WiFi
What does WiFi stand for?
WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity, a marketing term coined by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Who invented WiFi?
WiFi was developed based on IEEE 802.11 standards, with early contributions from NCR Corporation and AT&T.
What is the difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E?
WiFi 6E adds access to the 6 GHz band, offering more channels and less interference.
Is WiFi 7 available now?
Yes, WiFi 7 began rolling out in 2024 and is available in high-end routers and devices.
What’s next after WiFi 7?
WiFi 8 is under development, focusing on ultra-reliable, AI-optimized wireless connectivity.
