How Many Data Streams Are Used In 802.11ac Wave 2 Devices?

It'due south been three years since the 802.11ac standard was established past the IEEE and yet information technology seems like many businesses out there are still somewhat confused every bit to what capabilities 802.11ac has to offering.

Generally speaking there are half-dozen main improvements over the crumbling 802.11n:

MU-MIMO (multi-user MIMO) - allows one 11ac device to transmit individual data streams to multiple different clients at the same time.
More spatial streams - the corporeality of signals that can exist transmitted simultaneously from ane device using unlike antennas
Larger bandwidth channels - the charge per unit at which data passes between 2 devices
Chapters – more bandwidth available and ameliorate distribution mean instead of 30-40 clients you can back up 80-100
Range – Placed at the aforementioned distance 11ac devices will have increased data or connection rates
Speed – increased bandwidth capabilities starting at upward to 3x more

While this has been a common question nosotros've received since 2013, another question has been the source of conversation lately; what do the terms wave 1 and wave 2 mean and what'south the difference?

To keep upwardly with the terminology and empathise how you tin can benefit from the latest connectivity standards, we've put together a simple interruption down of what you need to know.

What Are Wave one's Capabilities

Coming from 802.11n wave 1 had a huge impact on wireless networking. Moving ridge 1 brought features such as:

Add-on of lxxx MHz channels
3 spatial or information streams
**Non MU-MIMO**

What are Moving ridge 2's Capabilities?

While 802.11ac "gen 2" or "wave ii" is a stride up from moving ridge 1 the differences aren't that drastic. Here's what you get:

MU-MIMO
4 spatial or data streams
Improver of 160 MHz channels

How Do I Decide Which is Correct for My WLAN?

Whether yous're implementing wave ane or moving ridge 2 the lesser line is that 802.11ac of any generation offers considerable improvements over older legacy products.

Ultimately, the right engineering for your surround will be the applied science that best supports your electric current needs.

Just because "wave 2" is the latest and greatest doesn't mean it makes sense to spend your oft limited budget implementing something y'all might not really need.

However, with that said if you lot tin swing it, wave 2 would be the recommended choice.

Another tip to think is that none of these new standards or higher performance products matter if your wireless network design is out of date or poorly executed.

It takes proper planning and a clear strategy to be successful the showtime time. Completing a wireless site survey is the showtime pace in any 802.11ac deployment.

If yous have any questions about deploying 802.11ac or would like to talk over how to get started with a wireless network design built specifically for the latest eleven.ac standard, please contact the states here to schedule a consultation.