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Wireless & Mobility · Foundational

IEEE 802.11

The IEEE family of standards defining wireless LAN PHY and MAC layers, commonly known as Wi-Fi.

Definition

IEEE 802.11 was first published in 1997 and has been extended by many amendments (a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, and others) that are periodically rolled into consolidated revisions such as 802.11-2020 and 802.11-2024. It defines operation at Layer 1 and the MAC sublayer of Layer 2. Interoperability certification is handled separately by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Exam tip

IEEE writes the standard; the Wi-Fi Alliance certifies interoperability and creates marketing names.

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