Which standard is commonly referred to as Wi-Fi 5?

Wi-Fi 5 refers to the 802.11ac standard, which was developed to enhance wireless performance in both speed and capacity. Introduced in the 2014 timeframe, this standard operates primarily in the 5 GHz frequency band, allowing for wider channels and more advanced modulation schemes like 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation). This leads to significant improvements in throughput when compared to its predecessors.

The distinction of Wi-Fi 5 is crucial in understanding the evolution of wireless networking and the capabilities it brings. 802.11ac supports multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) technology, which enables the sending and receiving of multiple data streams simultaneously, enhancing overall network efficiency during high-demand situations, such as when many devices are connected at once.

Recognizing this standard as Wi-Fi 5 helps differentiate it from other standards like Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which has different characteristics and performance metrics, especially in relation to frequency usage and data rates.