Wi-Fi 5
Wi-Fi 5 is the marketing name for the IEEE 802.11ac wireless networking standard, which operates exclusively in the 5 GHz frequency band and was introduced in 2013. It significantly improved upon previous Wi-Fi generations by offering faster data transfer speeds, better performance in dense environments, and support for technologies like MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) for more efficient multi-device communication. This standard is widely used in home and business networks for high-speed internet access and streaming.
Developers should learn about Wi-Fi 5 when working on network-dependent applications, IoT devices, or systems requiring reliable wireless connectivity, as it provides a foundation for understanding modern Wi-Fi capabilities and limitations. It's particularly relevant for optimizing network performance in environments with multiple connected devices, such as smart homes or offices, and for ensuring compatibility with devices that support this standard. Knowledge of Wi-Fi 5 helps in troubleshooting connectivity issues and designing systems that leverage its features like beamforming for improved signal strength.