How to choose a router: everything you can and cannot save on. AC Wi-Fi standard. Why is an AC router better than an N router?

The popularity of Wi-Fi connections is growing every day, as the demand for this type of network is increasing at a tremendous pace. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, monoblocks, TVs, computers - all our equipment supports a wireless Internet connection, without which it is no longer possible to imagine the life of a modern person.

Data transmission technologies are developing along with the release of new equipment

In order to choose a network suitable for your needs, you need to learn about all the Wi-Fi standards that exist today. The Wi-Fi Alliance has developed more than twenty connection technologies, four of which are most in demand today: 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n. The most latest discovery The manufacturer has become an 802.11ac modification, the performance of which is several times higher than the characteristics of modern adapters.

Is the senior certified technology wired connection and is characterized by general accessibility. The device has very modest parameters:

Information transfer speed - 11 Mbit/s;
Frequency range - 2.4 GHz;
The range of action (in the absence of volumetric partitions) is up to 50 meters.

It should be noted that this standard has poor noise immunity and low throughput. Therefore, despite the attractive price of this Wi-Fi connection, its technical component lags significantly behind more modern models.

802.11a standard

This technology is an improved version of the previous standard. The developers focused on the device’s throughput and clock speed. Thanks to such changes, this modification eliminates the influence of other devices on the quality of the network signal.

Frequency range - 5 GHz;
The range is up to 30 meters.

However, all the advantages of the 802.11a standard are compensated equally by its disadvantages: a reduced connection radius and a high (compared to 802.11b) price.

802.11g standard

The updated modification becomes a leader in today's wireless network standards, since it supports work with the widespread 802.11b technology and, unlike it, has a fairly high connection speed.

Information transfer speed - 54 Mbit/s;
Frequency range - 2.4 GHz;
Range of action - up to 50 meters.

As you may have noticed, the clock frequency has dropped to 2.4 GHz, but the network coverage has returned to its previous levels typical for 802.11b. In addition, the price of the adapter has become more affordable, which is a significant advantage when choosing equipment.

802.11n standard

Despite the fact that this modification has been on the market for a long time and has impressive parameters, manufacturers are still working on improving it. Due to the fact that it is incompatible with previous standards, its popularity is low.

Information transfer speed is theoretically up to 480 Mbit/s, but in practice it is half as much;
Frequency range - 2.4 or 5 GHz;
Range of action - up to 100 meters.

Since this standard is still evolving, it has characteristics: It may conflict with equipment that supports 802.11n just because the device manufacturers are different.

Other standards

In addition to popular technologies, the Wi-Fi Alliance manufacturer has developed other standards for more specialized applications. Such modifications that perform service functions include:

802.11d- makes devices compatible wireless communication different manufacturers, adapts them to the peculiarities of data transmission at the level of the entire country;
802.11e- determines the quality of sent media files;
802.11f- manages a variety of access points from different manufacturers, allows you to work equally in different networks;

802.11h- prevents loss of signal quality due to the influence of meteorological equipment and military radars;
802.11i- improved version of protecting users’ personal information;
802.11k- monitors the load specific network and redistributes users to other access points;
802.11m- contains all corrections to 802.11 standards;
802.11p- determines the nature of Wi-Fi devices located within a range of 1 km and moving at speeds of up to 200 km/h;
802.11r- automatically finds a wireless network while roaming and connects mobile devices to it;
802.11s- organizes a full mesh connection, where each smartphone or tablet can be a router or connection point;
802.11t- this network tests the entire 802.11 standard, provides testing methods and their results, and sets requirements for the operation of the equipment;
802.11u- this modification is known to everyone from the development of Hotspot 2.0. It ensures the interaction of wireless and external networks;
802.11v- this technology creates solutions to improve 802.11 modifications;
802.11y- unfinished technology linking frequencies 3.65–3.70 GHz;
802.11w- the standard finds ways to strengthen the protection of access to information transmission.

The latest and most technologically advanced standard 802.11ac

802.11ac modification devices provide users with a completely new quality of Internet experience. Among the advantages of this standard, the following should be highlighted:

High speed. When transmitting data via the 802.11ac network, wider channels are used and increased frequency, which increases the theoretical speed to 1.3 Gbps. In practice, throughput is up to 600 Mbit/s. In addition, an 802.11ac-based device transmits more data per clock cycle.

Increased number of frequencies. The 802.11ac modification is equipped with a whole range of 5 GHz frequencies. Latest technology has a stronger signal. Adapter with high range covers a frequency band up to 380 MHz.
802.11ac network coverage area. This standard provides a wider network range. In addition, the Wi-Fi connection works even through concrete and plasterboard walls. Interference that occurs during the operation of home appliances and the neighbor’s Internet does not in any way affect the operation of your connection.
Updated technologies. 802.11ac is equipped with the MU-MIMO extension, which ensures smooth operation of multiple devices on the network. Beamforming technology identifies the client's device and sends several streams of information to it at once.

Having become more familiar with all the Wi-Fi connection modifications that exist today, you can easily choose the network that suits your needs. Please be reminded that most devices contain standard adapter 802.11b, which is also supported by 802.11g technology. If you are looking for an 802.11ac wireless network, the number of devices equipped with it today is small. However, this is very current problem and soon everything modern equipment will switch to the 802.11ac standard. Don’t forget to take care of the security of your Internet access by installing a complex code on your Wi-Fi connection and an antivirus to protect your computer from virus software.

802.11ac routers- this is 3 times higher speed and wider range of action. In this article I will talk about the benefits of the new wi-fi standard and how to make the transition to the new wireless technology.

Broadcast video via wireless network has always been a problem, you had to wait until the video was loaded into the buffer, especially when the distance between the router and the client increased. Get real comfort playing video over a wireless network will help new standard 802.11 ac. It has increased network range thanks to the use of intelligent data transmission technologies. Plus, sharing files on a network based on the 802.11 ac standard? becomes more efficient, since wider channels are used for their transmission, which will allow obtaining a theoretical throughput of 1.3 Gbit/s. In practice, the speed will be 500-600 Mbit/s, which is close in capacity to a gigabit wired network. You will be able to transmit several HD video streams simultaneously over the air without any problems. The most interesting thing is that high throughput rates are maintained with an obstacle of 2 walls.

Advantages of 802.11 AC Wi-Fi Routers

I would like to note right away that the 802.11 ac standard remains backward compatible. When developing a new wireless communication standard, the main goal was to increase throughput, thereby we received:

more efficient signal radiation in space
broadcast more information in one cycle (modulation methods have been changed).
frequency used - 5 GHz

Changing the frequency will not be a revelation for many, since dual-frequency routers have been on sale for a long time. Frequency 5 GHz, which operates on an 802.11 ac wireless network, has made it possible to achieve high throughput because given range frequencies provides a larger number of effective channels of greater width. In addition, the range is less busy compared to the 2.4 GHz band. It is used by all wi-fi routers of the 802.11 n/g standard, as well as cordless phones, baby monitors and microwaves. Thus, on routers operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range it is difficult to achieve the maximum possible throughput.

In its turn, 802.11ac routers use the almost completely free frequency range of 5 GHz. It is true that devices operating in this range are more susceptible to the influence of walls and ceilings than devices in the 2.4 GHz range, but in practice they operate effectively even in the presence of concrete obstacles, thanks to the ability to specifically radiate their signal to the client device.

More frequency means more speed of the router

802.11ac wireless network operates at 5 GHz, while previous generation devices typically use 2.4 GHz. As you know, with each oscillation a certain amount of information is transmitted - that is why the 802.11 ac standard provides higher throughput.

Wider channels - wider wireless network throughput

The 2.4 GHz band has a wireless bandwidth of 80 MHz, while the 5 GHz band covers approximately 380 MHz. As a result, we have an increased number of channels of greater width, providing much higher data transfer rates.

Efficiently connect to clients on a wireless network

In the 802.11n standard, data transmission occurs using MIMO technologies(Multiple Input, Multiple Output) into multiple threads, which increases throughput. In turn, 802.11 ac routers use MU-MIMO technology(Multiple User MIMO), which allows them to communicate effectively with multiple devices.

Fast MIMO technology

The 5 GHz band has 10 times more bandwidth than its 2.4 GHz predecessor. In an 802.11 ac wireless network, a larger number of channels (fixed frequencies) are available, located at a specific distance from each other. The increased number of channels opens up greater opportunities to avoid interference.

The new standard optimizes the interaction of the router with several client devices. 802.11n equipment emits one signal evenly in all directions to all clients in the premises. As a result, a device on the network communicates with the router for a certain period of time, which limits the throughput. Thanks to the above-described MU-MIMO (MultiUser MIMO) technology, an 802.11 ac router determines the client’s position on the network and purposefully transmits several data streams to this device simultaneously. This is being carried out Beamforming technology(formation of a directional signal).

The essence of this technology: the router, changing the signal components for each of its multidirectional antennas, strengthens the signal towards the client, and weakens it towards the opposite direction. IN in this case the effect of constructive and destructive interference is applied. The 80211ac standard router with 8 antennas is capable of effectively communicating with 4 different devices, each of which is equipped with 2 antennas. It is worth noting that support Beamforming is also available in the 802.11 n standard, but due to the lack of generally accepted standards, the technology only works between the router and wi-fi adapters one manufacturer.

More information transfer volume per clock cycle

Wireless network of the new standard has excellent throughput. For example, the data transfer speed between two D-Link DIR-865L devices configured as a router and a client reached 553 Mbit/s. Believe me, this is enough to broadcast 5 Full HD video streams simultaneously. Just imagine, copying a 1.5GB movie in 18 seconds. Expensive high-performance 802.11 n routers are also inferior to the new standard.

Walls are no obstacle for 802.11ac

Routers operating in the 5 GHz band transmit data without problems over a distance of more than 10 m with one concrete and one plasterboard wall, taking into account interference in the form of other people's wireless networks. No one hides the fact that the waves of the 80211 ac wireless network are more susceptible to the influence of various obstacles in the signal path than the 2.4 GHz range, but in practice Beamforming technology proves the opposite. Take the ASUS RT-AC66U, which perfectly transmits signals through walls at speeds of more than 350 Mbps.

Transition to 802.11AC standard | Practical use

With 802.11ac routers that are backward compatible with previous standards, you can significantly increase home network bandwidth. Yes, there are a sufficient number of routers on the market based on 802.11 ac technology, but the rest network hardware with support for the new standard is still rare. Wireless is currently available in online stores. network bridge Buffalo AirStation 1300 Gigabit Dual Band Media. You can choose from the available routers 2 identical models, one of which can be configured as a router, and the other as a bridge. This combination will allow you to organize a high-speed network bridge supporting the 802.11 ac standard. The Wi-Fi router can be placed next to a dedicated line outlet and connected to it via wired and wireless connections necessary devices. And in the living room you can install a network bridge or a second router configured to operate in bridge mode and connect to the first router via a high-speed 802.11 ac wireless network. These devices will provide network access for TV and/or NTRS via wired connection. As a result, you can, for example, watch HD movies on a TV in the living room located on network-attached storage (NAS) in the office, or copy TV shows from the receiver to the computer in the workroom at 802.11 ac speed.

The fastest growing segment of telecommunications today is Wireless Local Area Network (WiFi). IN last years There is an increasing increase in demand for mobile devices based on wireless technologies.

It is worth noting that WiFi products transmit and receive information using radio waves. Multiple simultaneous broadcasts can occur without mutual interference due to the fact that radio waves are transmitted on different radio frequencies, also known as channels. To carry out the transfer WiFi information devices must “overlay” the data onto a radio wave, also known as a carrier wave. This process is called modulation. There are different types of modulation, which we will look at next. Each type of modulation has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency and power requirements. Together, the operating range and modulation type determine physical layer data (PHY) for data communication standards. Products are PHY compatible when they use the same band and modulation type.

The first wireless networking standard, 802.11, was approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1997 and supported data transfer rates of up to 2 Mbps. Technological standard modulation schemes used: pseudo-random tuning of the operating frequency (FHSS - Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) and broadband modulation with direct spread spectrum (DSSS - Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum).

Then, in 1999, IEEE approved two more WiFi wireless network standards: 802.11a and 802.11b. The 802.11a standard operates in the 5 GHz frequency range with data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbit/s. This standard is based on the digital modulation technology of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). The 802.11b standard uses the 2.4 GHz frequency range and achieves data transfer rates of up to 11 Mbit/s. Unlike the 802.11a standard, the 802.11b standard is designed according to the DSSS principle.

Since DSSS is easier to implement than OFDM, products using the 802.11b standard began to appear on the market earlier (since 1999). Since then, products running on wireless protocol radio access and using the 802.11b standard, were widely used in corporations, offices, homes, country cottages, V in public places(hot spots), etc. On all Wireless Compatibility Alliance certified products Ethernet equipment(WECA - Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance), there is a corresponding mark with the officially registered WiFi logo. The WECA Alliance (or Wi-Fi Alliance) includes all major manufacturers of wireless devices based on WiFi technology. The Alliance is committed to certifying, marking, and testing equipment using WiFi technologies for compatibility.

In early 2001, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ratified new rules that allowed additional modulation in the 2.4 GHz band. This allowed IEEE to extend the 802.11b standard, resulting in support for higher data rates. Thus, the 802.11g standard appeared, which operates at data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbit/s and was developed using ODFM technology.

Wi-Fi frequencies

Wireless Internet connectivity is now available to everyone. It is enough to connect a wifi system in your home, country house or office and you can receive the signal without worrying about endless wires, telephone connections, modems and communication cards. A wifi router is a router that makes decisions about forwarding packet data for various modular network segments. Simply put, if you have one or more laptops in your home and they all need to connect to the Internet, then a wireless router solves this problem. wifi system It automatically finds your laptops and establishes a connection to the Internet. Standard scheme wireless router provides at least one connection. Internet distribution occurs at various frequencies. For Russian Federation frequencies are provided and allocated in the range from 5150-5350 MHz to 5650-6425 MHz. These frequencies are basic; no special permission is required to operate in these ranges. Fixed wireless access 5150-5350 MHz and 5650-6425 MHz provides high speed data transfer on the Internet. For search free channel communications, it is necessary to coordinate the connection of the network with the administrations of other networks. Each network must use a frequency channel separated from the other channel by a 25 MHz band.

802.11a standard – High performance and speed.

By using the 5 GHz frequency and OFDM modulation, this standard has two key advantages over the 802.11b standard. Firstly, it is a significantly increased data transfer speed over communication channels. Secondly, the number of non-overlapping channels has increased. The 5 GHz band (also known as UNII) actually consists of three sub-bands: UNII1 (5.15 – 5.25 GHz), UNII2 (5.25 – 5.35 GHz) and UNII3 (5.725 – 5.825 GHz). When using two subbands UNII1 and UNII2 simultaneously, we get up to eight non-overlapping channels versus only three in the 2.4 GHz band. This standard also has much more available bandwidth. Thus, using the 802.11a standard, you can support more simultaneous, more productive, contention-free wireless connections.

It is worth noting that since Since 802.11a and 802.11b standards operate in different bands, products developed for these standards are not compatible. For example, a WiFi access point operating in the 2.4 GHz band, standard 802.11b, will not work with wireless network card, whose operating range is 5 GHz. However, both standards can coexist. For example, users connected to access points that use different standards, can also use any internal resources of this network, but provided that these access points are connected to the same core network.

It is also important to know that in Europe and Russia the 5 GHz band is used exclusively for military purposes; accordingly, it is prohibited for use for any other purposes.

802.11g – High speed in the 2.4 GHz band.

802.11g brings higher data rates while maintaining compatibility with 802.11b products. The standard operates using DSSS modulation at speeds up to 11 Mbit/s, but additionally uses OFDM modulation at speeds above 11 Mbit/s. Thus, equipment of the 802.11b and 802.11g standards is compatible at speeds not exceeding 11 Mbit/s. If in the 2.4 GHz range you need a speed higher than 11 Mbit/s, then you need to use 802.11g equipment.

We can say that the 802.11g standard combines all the best from the 802.11b and 802.11a standards.

The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) is developing WiFi 802.11 standards.

IEEE 802.11 is the base standard for Wi-Fi networks, which defines a set of protocols for the lowest transfer rates.

IEEE 802.11b- describes b O higher transmission speeds and introduces more technological restrictions. This standard was widely promoted by WECA ( Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance ) and was originally called WiFi .
Frequency channels in the 2.4GHz spectrum are used ().
Ratified in 1999.
RF technology used: DSSS.
Coding: Barker 11 and CCK.
Modulations: DBPSK and DQPSK,
Maximum data transfer rates (transfer) in the channel: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps,

IEEE 802.11a- describes significantly higher transfer rates than 802.11b.
Frequency channels in the 5GHz frequency spectrum are used. ProtocolNot compatible with 802.11 b.
Ratified in 1999.
RF technology used: OFDM.
Coding: Conversion Coding.
Modulations: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM.
Maximum data transfer rates in the channel: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps.

IEEE 802.11g - describes data transfer rates equivalent to 802.11a.
Frequency channels in the 2.4GHz spectrum are used. The protocol is compatible with 802.11b.
Ratified in 2003.
RF technologies used: DSSS and OFDM.
Coding: Barker 11 and CCK.
Modulations: DBPSK and DQPSK,
Maximum data transfer rates (transfer) in the channel:
- 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps on DSSS and
- 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps on OFDM.

IEEE 802.11n- the most advanced commercial WiFi standard, on this moment, officially approved for import and use on the territory of the Russian Federation (802.11ac is still under development by the regulator). 802.11n uses frequency channels in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi frequency spectrums. Compatible with 11b/11 a/11g . Although it is recommended to build networks targeting only 802.11n, because... requires configuration of special protective modes if backward compatibility with legacy standards is required. This leads to a large increase in signal information andsignificant reduction in available useful performance radio interface. Actually, even one WiFi client 802.11g or 802.11b will require special settings the entire network and its immediate significant degradation in terms of aggregated performance.
The WiFi 802.11n standard itself was released on September 11, 2009.
Frequencies supported WiFi channels width 20MHz and 40MHz (2x20MHz).
RF technology used: OFDM.
OFDM MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology is used up to the 4x4 level (4xTransmitter and 4xReceiver). In this case, a minimum of 2xTransmitter per Access Point and 1xTransmitter per user device.
Examples of possible MCS (Modulation & Coding Scheme) for 802.11n, as well as the maximum theoretical transfer rates in the radio channel are presented in the following table:

Here SGI is the guard intervals between frames.
Spatial Streams is the number of spatial streams.
Type is the modulation type.
Data Rate is the maximum theoretical data transfer rate in the radio channel in Mbit/sec.

It is important to emphasize that the indicated speeds correspond to the concept of channel rate and are the limiting value using this set technologies within the framework of the described standard (in fact, these values, as you probably noticed, are written by manufacturers on the boxes of home WiFi devices in stores). But in real life these values are not achievable due to the specifics of the WiFi 802.11 standard technology itself. For example, “political correctness” in terms of ensuring CSMA/CA is strongly influenced here (WiFi devices constantly listen to the air and cannot transmit if the transmission medium is busy), the need to confirm each unicast frame, the half-duplex nature of all WiFi standards and only 802.11ac/Wave-2 will be able to start bypassing this, etc. Therefore, the practical efficiency of legacy 802.11 b/g/a standards never exceeds 50% under ideal conditions (for example, for 802.11g the maximum speed per subscriber is usually no higher than 22Mb/s), and for 802.11n efficiency can be up to 60%. If the network operates in protected mode, which often happens due to the mixed presence of different WiFi chips on various devices ah in the network, then even the indicated relative efficiency can drop by 2-3 times. This applies, for example, to a mix of Wi-Fi devices with 802.11b, 802.11g chips on a network with 802.11g WiFi access points or 802.11g/802.11b WiFi devices on a network with 802.11n WiFi access points, etc. More information about .

In addition to the basic WiFi standards 802.11a, b, g, n, additional standards exist and are used to implement various service functions:

. 802.11d. To adapt various WiFi standard devices to specific country conditions. Within the regulatory framework of each state, ranges often vary and may even differ depending on geographic location. The IEEE 802.11d WiFi standard allows you to adjust frequency bands in devices from different manufacturers using special options, introduced into media access control protocols.

. 802.11e. Describes QoS quality classes for the transmission of various media files and, in general, various media content. Adaptation of the MAC layer for 802.11e determines the quality, for example, of simultaneous transmission of audio and video.

. 802.11f. Aimed at unifying the parameters of Wi-Fi access points from different manufacturers. The standard allows the user to work with different networks when moving between coverage areas of individual networks.

. 802.11h. Used to prevent problems with weather and military radars by dynamically reducing radiated power Wi-Fi equipment or dynamically switching to another frequency channel when a trigger signal is detected (in most European countries ground stations tracking meteorological and communications satellites, as well as military radars operate in bands close to 5 MHz). This standard is necessary requirement ETSI requirements for equipment approved for operation in the countries of the European Union.

. 802.11i. The first iterations of the 802.11 WiFi standards used the WEP algorithm to secure Wi-Fi networks. It was believed that this method could provide confidentiality and protection of the transmitted data of authorized wireless users from eavesdropping. Now this protection can be hacked in just a few minutes. Therefore, the 802.11i standard has developed new methods for protecting Wi-Fi networks, implemented both on physical and program levels. Currently, to organize a security system in Wi-Fi 802.11 networks, it is recommended to use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) algorithms. They also provide compatibility between wireless devices various standards and various modifications. WPA protocols use an advanced RC4 encryption scheme and a mandatory authentication method using EAP. Sustainability and safety modern networks Wi-Fi is defined by privacy verification and data encryption protocols (RSNA, TKIP, CCMP, AES). The most recommended approach is to use WPA2 with AES encryption (and don't forget about 802.1x using tunneling mechanisms, such as EAP-TLS, TTLS, etc.). .

. 802.11k. This standard is actually aimed at implementing load balancing in the radio subsystem of a Wi-Fi network. Typically, in a wireless LAN, the subscriber device is usually connected to the access point that provides the most strong signal. This often leads to network congestion at one point, when many users connect to one Access Point at once. For control similar situations The 802.11k standard proposes a mechanism that limits the number of subscribers connected to one Access Point and makes it possible to create conditions under which new users will join another AP even despite a weaker signal from it. In this case, the aggregated network throughput increases due to more efficient use of resources.

. 802.11m. Amendments and corrections for the entire group of 802.11 standards are combined and summarized in separate document with the general name 802.11m. The first release of 802.11m was in 2007, then in 2011, etc.

. 802.11p. Determines the interaction of Wi-Fi equipment moving at speeds of up to 200 km/h past stationary WiFi Access Points located at a distance of up to 1 km. Part of the Wireless Access in Vehicular Environment (WAVE) standard. WAVE standards define the architecture and additional set utility functions and interfaces that provide a secure radio communication mechanism between moving vehicles. These standards are designed for applications such as organizing traffic, traffic safety control, automated payment collection, navigation and routing of vehicles, etc.

. 802.11s. A standard for implementing mesh networks (), where any device can serve as both a router and an access point. If the nearest access point is overloaded, data is redirected to the nearest unloaded node. In this case, a data packet is transferred (packet transfer) from one node to another until it reaches its final destination. This standard introduces new protocols at the MAC and PHY levels that support broadcast and multicast transmission (transfer), as well as unicast delivery over a self-configuring point system Wi-Fi access. For this purpose, the standard introduced a four-address frame format. Examples of implementation of WiFi Mesh networks: , .

. 802.11t. The standard was created to institutionalize the process of testing solutions of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Testing methods, methods of measurement and processing of results (treatment), requirements for testing equipment are described.

. 802.11u. Defines procedures for interaction of Wi-Fi standard networks with external networks. The standard must define access protocols, priority protocols and prohibition protocols for working with external networks. Currently around this standard a large movement has formed both in terms of developing solutions - Hotspot 2.0, and in terms of organizing inter-network roaming - a group of interested operators has been created and is growing, who jointly resolve roaming issues for their Wi-Fi networks in dialogue (WBA Alliance). Read more about Hotspot 2.0 in our articles: , .

. 802.11v. The standard should include amendments aimed at improving the network management systems of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Modernization at the MAC and PHY levels should allow the configuration of client devices connected to the network to be centralized and streamlined.

. 802.11y. Additional communication standard for the frequency range 3.65-3.70 GHz. Designed for devices latest generation, working with external antennas at speeds up to 54 Mbit/s at a distance of up to 5 km at open space. The standard is not fully completed.

802.11w. Defines methods and procedures for improving the protection and security of the media access control (MAC) layer. The standard protocols structure a system for monitoring data integrity, the authenticity of their source, the prohibition of unauthorized reproduction and copying, data confidentiality and other protection measures. The standard introduces management frame protection (MFP: Management Frame Protection), and additional security measures help neutralize external attacks, such as DoS. A little more on MFP here: . In addition, these measures will ensure safety for the most vulnerable network information, which will be transmitted over networks supporting IEEE 802.11r, k, y.

802.11ac. A new WiFi standard that operates only in the 5GHz frequency band and provides significantly faster O higher speeds both for an individual WiFi client and for a WiFi Access Point. See our article for more details.

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Every year we use Everyday life More and more wireless devices. New gadgets appearing in our homes that require a broadband connection: smartphones, tablets, personal computers, gaming consoles, 4K UHD smart TVs, voice-activated virtual assistants and many other Internet of Things devices. During peak times, when different family members are simultaneously using devices to stream video, browse the web, and play games, the bandwidth of a typical home network may not be enough. Especially for such highly loaded networks, a new network standard, 802.11ax, was developed, with higher throughput per channel and the ability to more efficiently use the available spectrum by several clients simultaneously.

ASUS has presented a whole line of routers that fully meet the ever-increasing requirements for home Wi-Fi networks. The ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 router provides the highest connection speeds and maximum throughput. This device will exceed the expectations of even the most demanding gamers and computer enthusiasts. ASUS AiMesh AX6100 home Wi-Fi system is a compact device for mesh networks, which distributes the signal among many nodes for maximum coverage in large homes. Model ASUS The RT-AX88U features high performance and extensive customization options.

New models of 802.11ax routers were presented during the Computex 2018 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan.

Set the rules of the game with the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 router

The ROG brand is renowned for its cutting-edge technology. It's no surprise that ROG engineers created the Rapture GT-AX11000, the world's first tri-band Wi-Fi router with support for the 802.11ax standard. This device is designed for the busiest networks. It has a total throughput of up to 11,000 Mbit/s (Unless otherwise stated, these are theoretical data rates. Actual performance may vary in real world conditions): up to 1148 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz frequency range and up to 4804 Mbps in each of two 5 GHz bands, one of which can be reserved exclusively for gaming devices, prohibiting all other gadgets from using this channel.

Most Wi-Fi routers offer wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, but the Rapture GT-AX11000 goes a step further with its 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for significantly faster wired speeds. The increased throughput also allows the system to communicate with multiple Gigabit devices simultaneously on maximum speed or use network systems NAS storage that combines different ports to increase throughput.

The adaptive QoS service, called ASUS Game Boost, analyzes network activity and by default gives priority to gaming traffic so that other tasks with high traffic consumption, such as downloading updates, do not reduce the connection speed in multi-user games. online games. The Boost button, conveniently located right on the router's body, allows you to easily activate various functions, such as Game Boost or DFS, without even going to the web interface or mobile application.

Create a mesh network at home with the AX6100 Wi-Fi System router

All ASUS 802.11ax routers are compatible with AiMesh mesh technology, which allows you to connect multiple routers into a single network, but the new AiMesh AX6100 (2 x RT-AX92U) is designed specifically for mesh networks. Consisting of two devices, this system provides extended signal coverage without leaving blind spots like some conventional routers. You can add other AiMesh-compatible routers to the created mesh network as additional nodes, even if they only support the 802.11ac standard.

Despite its small size, AiMesh AX6100 Wi-Fi is a powerful tri-band system with a peak total throughput of up to 6100 Mbps. The bulk of the traffic is transmitted in the 5 GHz frequency range of the 802.11ax standard with a throughput of 4804 Mbit/s. This range is used for high speed communication between the nodes of the cellular system. Another channel in the 5 GHz frequency range with a throughput of 866 Mbps is provided for the 802.11ac standard, and a separate band in the 2.4 GHz range with a throughput of 400 Mbps is intended for connecting older devices.

A look into the future of wireless systems with the ASUS RT-AX88U router

The ASUS RT-AX88U dual-band router is in many ways reminiscent of the top-end ROG Rapture model. Both bands support 802.11ax compliant devices. frequency range 2.4 GHz has a throughput of up to 1148 Mbit/s, and the 5 GHz range has up to 4804 Mbit/s, peak total throughput router is about 6000 Mbit/s.

The wireless signal is transmitted using four antennas. The IPS signal from the provider is supplied via gigabit WAN port. Eight gigabit LAN ports are provided for wired device connection. With twice as many LAN ports as most competitors, the RT-AX88U router is ideal for wired connections to multiple computers at once, which is convenient for e.g. small office with several workplaces or for a home where wires for connecting several desktop computers are already routed throughout the rooms.

Like the ROG Tri-Band router, the RT-AX88U is powered by a powerful quad-core processor. Two USB port 3.1 Gen1 allow you to connect to it such peripherals, like an external drive or printer, and even connect a 4G modem to be on the safe side in case of a sudden interruption of the signal from the provider.

Common to all ASUS wireless systems

ASUS has been producing excellent routers for many years that have firmly won the trust of users. For the seventh year in a row, ASUS routers have received PCMag's Readers' Award for overall positive user experience. All new routers that support the 802.11ax standard have such important characteristics for users as ease of configuration, security, and expandability.

ASUSWRT web interface allows for fine tuning various parameters networks, and the ASUS Router application can control the Wi-Fi system from mobile device on Android and iOS. AiProtection Pro software, developed by TrendMicro, provides state-of-the-art reliable protection from online threats. Software package corporate level includes many useful functions, including parental control, scanning incoming and outgoing traffic, protecting connected devices from most malware and hacker attacks.

Home networks need to grow, both in terms of adding new features and literally expanding their coverage area. AiMesh mesh networking technology simplifies both tasks by connecting compatible ASUS routers into a single network and expanding coverage. Unlike competing systems that require hardware replacement, AiMesh technology is compatible with most previously released ASUS routers. The AX6100 router is initially equipped with support for AiMesh technology, and the Rapture GT-AX11000 and RT-AX88U models will receive it after a firmware update, which will appear shortly after the release of the devices themselves.

Prices and Availability

Routers ROG Rapture GT-AX11000, Wi-Fi system AiMesh AX6100 and RT-AX88U will be available in the third quarter of 2018.

About ASUS

As one of the world's most admired companies according to Fortune magazine, ASUS offers wide range products for comfortable digital life today and in the future, including Zenbo robots, ZenFone smartphones, ZenBook ultrabooks, high-quality computer components and peripherals, as well as innovative solutions for the Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality. In 2017, ASUS products won 4,511 awards and the company generated sales of US$13 billion with more than 16,000 employees and over 5,000 top developers worldwide.