Wi-Fi Terms You Need to Know Before Upgrading Your Router

1. Wi-Fi Standards

The technical specifications that define Wi-Fi performance:

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Released in 2014, offers faster speeds and better performance on the 5 GHz band.
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Introduced in 2019, adds efficiency, lower latency, and better support for many connected devices.
• Wi-Fi 6E: An upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, expanding to the 6 GHz frequency for even faster connections.
• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): The latest standard (2024), promising multi-gigabit speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded environments.

2. Frequency Bands

The “lanes” Wi-Fi uses to transmit data:

• 2.4 GHz: Wider coverage but slower speeds. Best for older devices or large spaces.
• 5 GHz: Faster speeds with less interference but shorter range. Ideal for streaming or gaming.
• 6 GHz: Exclusively available with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, offering ultra-high speeds and low congestion.

3. Router

The device that directs traffic between your devices and the internet. Key terms:

• Dual-Band/Triple-Band: Routers supporting 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and (for some) 6 GHz frequencies.
• MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output): Allows a router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing delays.
• Beamforming: Directs the Wi-Fi signal toward your devices instead of broadcasting it equally in all directions.

4. Channel Width

Wi-Fi uses channels to transmit data. Wider channels mean faster speeds:

• 20 MHz: Standard width for 2.4 GHz.
• 40 MHz/80 MHz: Common for 5 GHz.
• 160 MHz: Available on high-end routers for maximum performance.

5. Latency

The delay in data transmission, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower latency is better for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications.

• Usual latency: Around 30–50 ms on most home networks.
• Good latency for gaming: 20 ms or less for a smooth, lag-free experience.

6. Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data your internet connection can handle, measured in Mbps or Gbps. Not to be confused with latency!

7. Mesh Wi-Fi

A system of multiple routers (nodes) that provide seamless coverage throughout your home.
Why it’s better: It spreads the signal evenly without dropping speed as you move around the house, unlike a single extender.

8. Wi-Fi Extender/Repeater

A device that boosts your Wi-Fi signal to reach areas far from your router. Mesh systems are generally a better option for consistent performance.

9. WPA3

The latest Wi-Fi security protocol. It encrypts your data better than older standards like WPA2, keeping your network safer from hackers.

10. OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)

A feature of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 that divides channels into smaller sub-channels, allowing multiple devices to transmit data simultaneously. This increases efficiency.

11. QoS (Quality of Service)

A router feature that prioritizes certain types of traffic (e.g., streaming or gaming) to ensure they run smoothly.

12. Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

Introduced with Wi-Fi 7, this feature allows devices to connect across multiple frequency bands at the same time, boosting speed and reliability.

13. Backward Compatibility

Wi-Fi devices are designed to work with older standards, but using the latest standards gives the best performance.

14. Firmware

The software that runs your router. Keep it updated for security patches and new features.

15. IPv4 and IPv6

Protocols that assign unique addresses to your devices:

• IPv4: Older, more common, but limited to about 4.3 billion addresses.
• IPv6: Newer, with a vastly larger pool of addresses.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Wi-Fi jargon helps you make smarter choices when setting up or upgrading your network. If you’re shopping for a router or troubleshooting slow speeds, knowing these terms can save time and frustration.

Have a question or want to learn more? Let us know in the comments below!