802.11ac Explained: Do You Need This Wi-Fi Standard?
Understanding 802.11ac Wireless Technology
Recent visits to retailers like Best Buy may have revealed a new generation of wireless routers. These premium devices prominently display the designation "802.11ac" on their packaging.
However, the meaning of 802.11ac isn't always clear. It's reasonable to question whether upgrading to this standard is truly essential for optimal WiFi performance.
What is 802.11ac?
The 802.11ac standard represents an evolution in wireless networking technology. It builds upon previous standards like 802.11n, offering significant improvements in speed and efficiency.
Specifically, 802.11ac utilizes the 5 GHz frequency band more effectively. This band generally experiences less interference than the commonly used 2.4 GHz band.
Key Benefits of 802.11ac
- Increased Speed: 802.11ac offers substantially faster data transfer rates compared to older standards.
- Wider Channels: It supports wider channel bandwidths, allowing for more data to be transmitted simultaneously.
- Multi-User MIMO: MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology enables the router to communicate with multiple devices concurrently, improving overall network performance.
- Reduced Interference: The focus on the 5 GHz band minimizes interference from other wireless devices.
These advancements translate to a smoother online experience, particularly for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming video and online gaming.
Is 802.11ac Right for You?
Determining whether to upgrade to 802.11ac depends on your individual needs and usage patterns. Consider the following factors:
If you frequently engage in activities that demand high bandwidth, such as 4K video streaming or large file transfers, an 802.11ac router can provide a noticeable improvement.
However, to fully benefit from 802.11ac, your devices must also support the standard. Older devices will still connect, but they won't be able to take advantage of the increased speeds.
In 2016, a growing number of devices were becoming 802.11ac compatible, making it an increasingly viable option for enhancing home and office networks.
802.11 Explained
When selecting a new router, you'll likely encounter the designation "802.11(something)" in the product specifications. This number, followed by a letter, indicates the router's generation and its potential data transfer speed. Understanding this notation is key to choosing the right device for your needs.
A comprehensive guide detailing these standards is available, but we will focus on 802.11n and 802.11ac. Most routers manufactured within the last five years support 802.11n. This technology can achieve transfer rates of up to 450Mbits/s, equivalent to approximately 56 megabytes per second.
It’s important to remember this is a theoretical maximum achieved under ideal laboratory conditions. However, 802.11n still provides sufficient bandwidth for typical home use, supporting multiple streaming services and online gaming simultaneously.
802.11ac represents a more recent advancement, receiving IEEE approval in 2014. Its theoretical maximum throughput reaches 1.3Gbits per second (162.5 MB/s), exceeding 802.11n’s capabilities by a significant margin.
A key distinction is that 802.11ac operates exclusively on the 5Ghz frequency band. While the 2.4Ghz band offers greater range due to its longer wavelength and better wall penetration, it is often more congested and prone to interference.
Therefore, if your wireless devices are located far from the router, or across multiple floors, 802.11ac might not be the optimal choice, despite its higher potential speed. Signal strength can be compromised over distance.
802.11ac Routers: Is an Upgrade Necessary Now?
The 802.11ac standard has recently been approved for consumer use. Consequently, router manufacturers are now actively releasing new wireless networking hubs featuring this updated technology to retailers.
Identifying an 802.11ac-compatible router is straightforward. The model name will typically include "ac," indicating its capabilities (such as the Asus RT-AC3200 or the D-Link AC3200).
Currently, the cost of an 802.11ac router ranges from $150 to $400. This represents a significant investment, particularly for users with limited devices that can actually utilize the enhanced bandwidth.
Understanding 802.11ac Compatibility
The primary consideration when purchasing an 802.11ac router is device compatibility. Only newer wireless devices are equipped to interpret the 802.11ac signal.
For instance, the iPhone 6 and 6s models support 802.11ac. However, the practical benefit is questionable for most users, as the older 802.11n standard already provides adequate speeds for typical usage.
The true potential of 802.11ac will be realized when multiple household members simultaneously demand high-bandwidth applications.
Future-Proofing Your Network
802.11ac will become increasingly valuable as demand for bandwidth grows. This includes streaming 4K content on laptops and dedicated streaming devices.
For now, upgrading to an 802.11ac router may be considered a premium feature. It primarily benefits those who already own the newest devices with the latest WiFi technology.
Final Thoughts
The question remains: is an 802.11ac router a necessary purchase at this moment? (Likely) not for most users. If you are actively streaming 4K content to an iPhone via a central server, or utilizing a very recently released ultrabook, then the benefits of an ac signal become apparent.
However, for the majority, a standard b/g/n router remains perfectly adequate. Unless your home is equipped with fiber optic internet delivering speeds exceeding 150Mbit, the capabilities of 802.11ac are unlikely to be fully realized.
These older routers offer a significantly lower cost, support both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies, and can effortlessly manage common bandwidth-intensive tasks like gaming, video streaming, and file downloads.
We suggest a period of observation, perhaps another year or two, to allow the wireless networking industry to fully embrace the 802.11ac standard and for prices to become more competitive. Should you possess discretionary funds and a preference for aesthetically advanced routers, resembling designs from the world of Batman, then an 802.11ac router represents a forward-looking investment.
Conversely, if your priority is reliable performance at an affordable price, numerous 802.11n models continue to provide excellent service.
Image Sources: Wikimedia, D-Link, Asus