December 24, 2024, 9:56 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The terms “WLAN” and “WiFi” are often used to describe the wireless network in your own home or Internet access in a public place. The terms are used synonymously for wireless data transmission – but this is not entirely correct.
While in Germany, the term ‘WLAN’ is almost exclusively used, in English-speaking countries, the word ‘WiFi’ prevails. But why is this the case, and are both the same standard? What exactly is the difference between WLAN and WiFi?
Overview
The Names WLAN and WiFi
The abbreviation WLAN stands for “Wireless Local Area Network,” i.e., a wireless, local network. Conversely, ‘WiFi’ stands for ‘Wireless Fidelity,’ a term that, much like ‘High Fidelity’ (Hi-Fi), doesn’t translate neatly into German.
Hi-Fi is best understood as ‘high fidelity,’ indicating the high quality of sound reproduction. Hi-Fi stands for sound reproduction that is as lossless as possible, i.e., a quality standard. Accordingly, WiFi could be translated as “wireless data transmission with as little loss as possible.”
WiFi – A Logo for Wireless Communication
The term WiFi was introduced in 1999 by the WiFi Alliance in reference to the Hi-Fi term. This is a consortium of companies that has set itself the task of ensuring interoperability between WLAN-enabled devices.
In essence, the WiFi Alliance conducts tests to guarantee that devices can communicate and share data with one another. Manufacturers that pass the WiFi Alliance certification are awarded the well-known WiFi logo.
The Standard for WLAN Technology
The WiFi Alliance tests are based on the WLAN IEEE 802.11 standard, which was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The standard was introduced in 1997 after seven years of development. It was the first time that uniform standards and specifications for wireless networks existed.
While WLAN is the collective term for wireless networks, WiFi is the specific term for the somewhat unwieldy name “IEEE 802.11”. In Germany, “WLAN” is the established term for a wireless network. In other countries, however, the term “WiFi” is more common and, strictly speaking, more precise. WiFi – or IEE 802.11 – is one type of WLAN, but there are others, such as the European HiperLAN. So, if you want to be precise, next time, ask for the “WiFi password.”
Incidentally, the IEE 802.11 standard is constantly being developed further. The supported standards are often listed as a/b/g/n/ac/ax on device data sheets. Version 802.11ax, known to the public as WiFi 6, has been in use since 2019. This was further improved with the introduction of WiFi 6E. In contrast to WiFi 6, WiFi 6E also allows the 6 GHz frequency band to be used in parallel with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This allows for increased data throughput and reduced channel congestion.
WiFi 7 or 802.11be is currently in development. Like WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 also operates over the three frequency bands around 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. In combination with compatible end devices, WiFi 7 should not only enable higher gigabit speeds but also increase the responsiveness and reliability of the wireless network. The launch of WiFi 7 is anticipated by the end of 2024.
ALOHAnet – the First WLAN Comes from Hawaii
The idea of transmitting data from one device to another without a cable connection did not originate in the engineering minds of the IEEE. The first wireless computer network was created in 1971 at the University of Hawaii and was aptly named ALOHAnet. The university used it to wirelessly connect its campuses spread across various islands.
At the end of the 1970s, the IEEE jumped on the bandwagon and experimented with wireless network technologies. When the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated the commercialization of wireless networks in the mid-1980s, it triggered a boom in the development of wireless data modems.
Monopoly Led to High Prices
In 1988, Lucent launched the “WaveLAN” on the market and secured a monopoly on WLAN technology by patenting all components. Other manufacturers had to develop their own WLAN components and chips. As a result, WLAN was so expensive that it was only used in the professional sector and only where there was no other option.
It was not until 1999 that WLAN also became interesting for end users. Steve Jobs presented the first iBook with its own WLAN technology at the Macworld Expo in New York. Standardization through the IEEE 802.11 standard led to a further drop in prices, making WLAN increasingly affordable for manufacturers and consumers.
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More and More Devices are WLAN-Compatible
Since the first version of the 802.11 standard, the IEEE has continuously developed it further. Back then, it had a data rate of just 2 Mbps. It operated in the 2.4 GHz band. This is still the case today, but the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands have since been added, and speeds have long since reached the gigabit range – at least in theory.
WLAN and other wireless transmission technologies have long since conquered the world. In 2003, there were 500 million networked devices worldwide. As of last year, that number had surged to 50 billion. Today, the average person owns 6.58 devices capable of wireless networking. Eighteen years ago, the figure was just 0.08. This means that around twelve people would have had to share one such device.
The German original of this article was published in November 2024.