A new wireless standard is set to be launched next year that will bring 3 times the speed when compared to the current fastest Wifi standard 802.11n. The new 802.11ac will transmit wireless signals on the 5Ghz band, providing a larger range, and faster throughput for multiple HD video streams and more. It will also come with much more power for transmission through walls.
Technical Advancements of 802.11ac
From a technical perspective, a typical 3×3 array of 802.11ac antennas using an 80-MHz channel should, within an interference-free room, transmit over 1 Gbits/s. That’s about three times the throughput of 802.11n, which can transmit about 300 Mbits/s under the same conditions. Using 160-MHz channels, the throughput could push 1.2 Gbits/s or slightly higher. This significant increase in speed is achieved through several key advancements in wireless technology.
One of the primary improvements is the use of wider channels. While 802.11n uses 20-MHz or 40-MHz channels, 802.11ac can use 80-MHz or even 160-MHz channels, allowing for more data to be transmitted simultaneously. Additionally, 802.11ac employs advanced modulation techniques such as 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), which increases the amount of data that can be encoded in each signal.
Benefits and Applications
The benefits of 802.11ac extend beyond just faster speeds. The new standard also offers improved range and reliability, particularly in environments with many obstacles such as walls and furniture. This makes it ideal for use in homes and offices where multiple devices are connected to the network simultaneously. For example, streaming multiple HD or even 4K video streams without buffering will become more feasible, enhancing the user experience for entertainment and professional applications alike.
Moreover, the increased bandwidth and reduced latency of 802.11ac make it suitable for more demanding applications such as online gaming, virtual reality, and teleconferencing. Businesses can also benefit from the enhanced capabilities of 802.11ac, as it can support a larger number of connected devices without compromising performance. This is particularly important in modern workplaces where employees use multiple devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, all requiring a stable and fast internet connection.
Another significant advantage of 802.11ac is its backward compatibility with previous Wifi standards. This means that devices using older standards like 802.11n or 802.11g can still connect to an 802.11ac network, ensuring a smooth transition for users upgrading their network infrastructure.
Future Prospects and Device Availability
You can expect to see new devices using the new 802.11ac Wifi standard to start appearing early next year. Major tech companies are already working on integrating 802.11ac into their products, including smartphones, laptops, routers, and smart home devices. This widespread adoption will likely drive down the cost of 802.11ac-compatible devices, making the technology more accessible to a broader audience.
Looking ahead, the introduction of 802.11ac sets the stage for even more advanced wireless technologies. Researchers and engineers are already working on the next generation of Wifi standards, such as 802.11ax (also known as Wifi 6), which promises even greater speeds, efficiency, and capacity. These advancements will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with wireless communication, enabling new applications and improving the quality of existing ones.
The launch of the 802.11ac wireless standard represents a significant leap forward in Wifi technology. With its increased speed, range, and reliability, 802.11ac is poised to transform the way we connect to the internet, making it easier and more efficient to stream media, play games, and work online. As new devices become available, users can look forward to a faster and more seamless wireless experience.
Source: DVICE
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