In a previous article related wireless IoT protocol article, we discussed classic Bluetooth vs Bluetooth low Energy (BLE). Here we will go through WiFi IoT communication protocol and its basics.
WiFi – common choice of the user, developer for IoT application, it is unlimited/limited.
WiFi:
Wi-Fi IoT Protocol/connectivity is often an obvious choice for many developers because it is fast wireless and provide hassle-free connectivity,
WiFi stands for (WiFi full form) Wireless Fidelity/ frequencies which enable the interconnectivity of many computers hence a way to connect internet from the access point to the computer or laptop.
WiFi It is based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards and is primarily a local area networking (LAN) technology designed to provide in-building broadband coverage.
A very simple statement for the understanding of Wi-Fi term is that it is wireless networking between more than 2 computers keeping internet connectivity aside. So this distinction should be clear that wireless networking is different from wireless internet.
However, it is a mode to get internet connectivity.
For enabling WiFi you need to use a device access point or technically named router having a wireless facility to receive or transfer the signal.
WiFi for last-mile broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and public hotspot locations. Systems can typically provide a coverage range of only about 1,00 to 150 meters from the access point.
A vast majority of laptops shipped today have a built-in Wi-Fi interface. WiFi interfaces are now also being built into a variety of devices, including personal data assistants (PDAs), cordless phones, cellular phones, cameras, and media players.
The 802.11 standards is defined through several specifications of WLANs. It defines an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients.
There are several specifications in the 802.11 families: Here is the technical comparison between the three major WiFi standards.
| Feature | WiFi (802.11b) | WiFi (802.11a/g) |
|---|---|---|
| PrimaryApplication | Wireless LAN | Wireless LAN |
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz ISM | 2.4 GHz ISM (g) 5 GHz U-NII (a) |
| Channel Bandwidth | 25 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Half/Full Duplex | Half | Half |
See also: What is NFC technology? How does it works? | Near Field Communication
IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi protocol summary
| Protocol | Frequency | Maximum data rate |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy 802.11 | 2.4 GHz | 2 Mbps |
| 802.11a | 5 GHz | 54 Mbps |
| 802.11b | 2.4 GHz | 11 Mbps |
| 802.11g | 2.4 GHz | 54 Mbps |
| 802.11n | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz | 600 Mbps (theoretical) |
| 802.11ac | 5 GHz | 1.3 Gbps |
Summary:
Currently, the most common Wi-Fi standard used in homes and many businesses is 802.11n, which offers serious throughput in the range of hundreds of megabit per second, which is fine for file transfers but maybe too power-consuming for many IoT applications.
- Standard: Based on 802.11n (most common usage in homes today)
- Frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- Range: Approximately 50m
- Data Rates: 600 Mbps maximum, but 150-200Mbps is more typical, depending on channel frequency used and number of antennas (latest 802.11-ac standard should offer 500Mbps to 1Gbps)
Let us know what you think about WiFi IoT communication protocol and WiFi basics in the comment section below.
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Reference: Intel wireless networking & Tutorialspoint/wifi
