Wi-Fi Alliance introduces new Wi-Fi naming scheme

The Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced a new naming scheme for the various generations of Wi-Fi technology in a bid to reduce confusion among consumers and increase sales of next-generation equipment.

Through the initiative, devices supporting the upcoming IEEE 802.11ax standard will be labeled as Wi-Fi 6. The naming convention will also be applied retroactively, with 802.11ac Wi-Fi to be renamed Wi-Fi 5 and 802.11n Wi-Fi to be designated as Wi-Fi 4.

Product vendors will be able to use the Wi-Fi 6 designation to identify the latest generation of Wi-Fi that a device supports, while service providers will be able to identify the capabilities of a Wi-Fi network for their customers.

In support of the new naming scheme, Wi-Fi Alliance will adopt the generational naming scheme for its certification programs. The Wi-Fi Certified 6 certification program will launch next year.

“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.

“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.”

The new naming scheme has widespread industry support, with vendors including Intel, Netgear, Qualcomm, Ruckus Networks, Aruba and Boingo Wireless having already issued statements endorsing the new convention.