| 802.11ac ('''Wi-Fi 5''') || 3.46 Gbps || 5 GHz || Typically used by home WiFi networks, this protocol offers somewhat of a balance between speed and range. This protocol offers Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) support, allowing for multiple antennas to send/receive in order to improve performance. This protocol is widely accepted, although some older devices may not support it. Fortunately, this protocol supports dual-band operation (and is the first to do so). This means that many access points using 802.11ac also offer 2.4GHz service using 802.11n to serve older devices.<ref name="networkworld.com">https://www.networkworld.com/article/3238664/wi-fi/80211-wi-fi-standards-and-speeds-explained.html</ref><ref name="lifewire.com">https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-standards-802-11a-802-11b-g-n-and-802-11ac-816553</ref> This support of 802.11n enables 802.11ac to be backward compatible with the common b/g/n equipment.<ref>https://www.semiconductorstore.com/blog/2014/WiFi-standards-802-11a-b-g-n-vs-802-11ac-Which-is-Best/806</ref> | | 802.11ac ('''Wi-Fi 5''') || 3.46 Gbps || 5 GHz || Typically used by home WiFi networks, this protocol offers somewhat of a balance between speed and range. This protocol offers Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) support, allowing for multiple antennas to send/receive in order to improve performance. This protocol is widely accepted, although some older devices may not support it. Fortunately, this protocol supports dual-band operation (and is the first to do so). This means that many access points using 802.11ac also offer 2.4GHz service using 802.11n to serve older devices.<ref name="networkworld.com">https://www.networkworld.com/article/3238664/wi-fi/80211-wi-fi-standards-and-speeds-explained.html</ref><ref name="lifewire.com">https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-standards-802-11a-802-11b-g-n-and-802-11ac-816553</ref> This support of 802.11n enables 802.11ac to be backward compatible with the common b/g/n equipment.<ref>https://www.semiconductorstore.com/blog/2014/WiFi-standards-802-11a-b-g-n-vs-802-11ac-Which-is-Best/806</ref> |