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Wi-Fi Version Names Are Getting a Lot Easier to Understand

Acknowledging that the current Wi-Fi naming system is not at all user friendly, the Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced a new approach. The next-generation of Wi-Fi, based on based on 802.11ax technology, will be called Wi-Fi 6.

Angela Moscaritolo
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

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Do your eyes glaze over when you encounter terms like 802.11ac and 802.11n? You're not alone.

Acknowledging that the current Wi-Fi naming system is not at all user friendly, the Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced a new approach that should make it a lot easier to differentiate between generations. Now, the previous Wi-Fi generations 802.11n and 802.11ac will be known as Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, respectively. The next-generation of Wi-Fi, based on based on 802.11ax technology, will be called Wi-Fi 6.

"For nearly two decades, Wi-Fi users have had to sort through technical naming conventions to determine if their devices support the latest Wi-Fi," Wi-Fi Alliance President and CEO Edgar Figueroa said in a statement. "Wi-Fi Alliance is excited to introduce Wi-Fi 6, and present a new naming scheme to help industry and Wi-Fi users easily understand the Wi-Fi generation supported by their device or connection."

Wi-Fi Alliance wants product vendors, operating system makers, and service providers to use these new names, and expects wide adoption across the Wi-Fi ecosystem. OS and device makers, for instance, can use these new names in user interface visuals.

"The UI visual will adjust as a device moves between Wi-Fi networks so users have real-time awareness of their device connection," the organization said.

A number of companies have already expressed support for the new naming conventions, including Aerohive Networks, AirTies, Aruba, Boingo Wireless, Broadcom, CEVA, Intel, Marvell, MediaTek, Netgear, Qualcomm, and Ruckus Networks. Broadcom Senior Director of Wireless Communications and Connectivity Marketing Vijay Nagarajan said this will help consumers evaluate phones and wireless routers based on their Wi-Fi capabilities.

"When they see that their device contains Wi-Fi 6, they will know that they have the best wireless connectivity on the market," Nagarajan said in a statement.

Each new Wi-Fi generation offers major advancements over the last. Wi-Fi 6, for instance focuses on improving capacity, speed, and battery life. PCMag's Lead Mobile Analyst Sascha Segan says it addresses the issue of overcrowded Wi-Fi networks, especially those in big cities and college campuses.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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