Wi-Fi Alliance introduces new Wi-Fi naming scheme
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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.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason for introducing this new Wi-Fi naming scheme?
What is the primary reason for introducing this new Wi-Fi naming scheme?
The new naming scheme aims to reduce confusion for consumers when identifying Wi-Fi generations. It also seeks to increase sales of next-generation equipment by making technology easier to understand and differentiate.
Q.How will older Wi-Fi standards be identified under the new naming system?
How will older Wi-Fi standards be identified under the new naming system?
The new naming convention will be applied retroactively. The 802.11ac standard will be renamed Wi-Fi 5, and the 802.11n standard will be designated as Wi-Fi 4.
Q.When is the certification program for the newest Wi-Fi standard expected to launch?
When is the certification program for the newest Wi-Fi standard expected to launch?
The Wi-Fi Certified 6 certification program, which aligns with the new generational naming scheme, is scheduled to launch next year. This will certify devices supporting the new Wi-Fi 6 standard.
Q.Which types of companies are showing support for the new Wi-Fi naming convention?
Which types of companies are showing support for the new Wi-Fi naming convention?
The new naming scheme has widespread industry support. Vendors like Intel, Netgear, and Qualcomm have endorsed it, along with other companies such as Ruckus Networks, Aruba, and Boingo Wireless.