Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology based on IEEE 802.11 standards that enables devices to connect to local networks and the Internet without physical cables. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit data over short to medium distances. It is common in homes, offices, and public spaces. Wi-Fi AP

Wi-Fi allows devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices to connect to a wireless access point (AP), which typically provides connectivity to a wired local network and the internet. Communication occurs using radio waves in unlicensed frequency bands, most commonly 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, with different IEEE 802.11 amendments specifying performance characteristics such as throughput, range, and efficiency.
The table below lists the main Wi-Fi standards, showing their IEEE designations, operating frequency bands, and maximum theoretical data rates.

Common Name	IEEE Standard	Wi-Fi Generation	Frequency Band	Maximum Data Rate
Wireless B	802.11b	Wi-Fi 1	2.4 GHz	11 Mbps
Wireless A	802.11a	Wi-Fi 2	5 GHz	54 Mbps
Wireless G	802.11g	Wi-Fi 3	2.4 GHz	54 Mbps
Wireless N	802.11n	Wi-Fi 4	2.4 / 5 GHz	Up to 600 Mbps
Wireless AC	802.11ac	Wi-Fi 5	5 GHz	Up to 6.9 Gbps
Wi-Fi 6	802.11ax	Wi-Fi 6	2.4 / 5 GHz	Up to 9.6 Gbps
Wi-Fi 6E	802.11ax	Wi-Fi 6E	6 GHz	Up to 9.6 Gbps
Wi-Fi 7	802.11be	Wi-Fi 7	2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz	Up to 46 Gbps

Modern Wi-Fi standards support features including encryption and authentication (for example, WPA2 and WPA3), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, channel bonding, and quality of service (QoS) to improve security, reliability, and performance in environments with many connected devices. The term Wi-Fi is a trademark used by the Wi-Fi Alliance to indicate devices that have been certified for interoperability with IEEE 802.11 standards.