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802.11 iot

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There isn't a specific 802.11 standard dedicated solely to the Internet of Things (IoT). The 802.11 family of standards primarily focuses on wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies. However, various amendments and extensions within the 802.11 family contribute to IoT connectivity. Here's a breakdown:

  1. IEEE 802.11 Standard Family:
    • The IEEE 802.11 standard family defines the specifications for implementing wireless local area networking (WLAN) communication. The standards specify the protocols for wireless communication between devices, including the physical layer (PHY) and the medium access control (MAC) layer.
  2. 802.11ah - Sub 1 GHz Operation for IoT:
    • While not explicitly named "802.11 IoT," the 802.11ah standard is designed to operate in the sub-1 GHz frequency band, providing extended range and improved penetration through obstacles. This makes it well-suited for IoT applications, especially those requiring long-range connectivity.
  3. 802.11ax - High-Efficiency WLAN (HEW):
    • 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6, is not exclusive to IoT but introduces improvements in overall efficiency, especially in high-density scenarios. It supports higher data rates, increased capacity, and better performance in environments with multiple connected devices, which is beneficial for IoT deployments with numerous interconnected devices.
  4. 802.11ac - Enhanced Throughput:
    • Wi-Fi 5, or 802.11ac, offers enhanced throughput compared to its predecessors, making it suitable for high-performance IoT applications that require higher data rates.
  5. 802.11af - TV White Space (TVWS):
    • 802.11af utilizes TV white space frequencies, which are unused frequencies in the television broadcast spectrum. This standard can be relevant to IoT deployments in rural or remote areas where these frequencies are available for use.
  6. Security Considerations:
    • Security is a critical aspect of IoT deployments, and standards within the 802.11 family, such as WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), provide robust security mechanisms to protect IoT devices and their communications.
  7. Low-Power Wi-Fi for IoT:
    • Some IoT devices have stringent power consumption requirements. While traditional Wi-Fi may not be the most power-efficient choice for all IoT devices, there are efforts to develop low-power variants and optimizations within the 802.11 standards to cater to diverse IoT use cases.
  8. Integration with Other IoT Protocols:
    • In many IoT deployments, Wi-Fi is used in conjunction with other wireless protocols like Bluetooth, Zigbee, or cellular technologies to create comprehensive and interoperable IoT ecosystems.

It's important to note that while the 802.11 family provides connectivity options for IoT devices, the choice of the wireless technology depends on the specific requirements of the IoT application, including factors such as range, data rate, power consumption, and deployment environment.