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IEEE Standards

Updated Jan 30, 2024 ·

Overview​

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) sets standards for networking, security, and communications. These standards help organizations build secure, reliable, and compatible systems.

  • Guides network protocols and data security
  • Ensures devices and systems work together
  • Helps follow best practices and compliance
  • Supports secure design and operations

IEEE 802​

IEEE 802 defines networking rules for LANs and WANs. It includes security guidelines and ensures devices communicate reliably.

IEEE 802.1X​

Controls access to networks by verifying devices before they connect.

  • Port-based network access control
  • Requires devices to authenticate before using the network
  • Supports dynamic encryption keys for secure communication
  • Works with wired and wireless networks
  • Uses authentication mechanisms such as RADIUS and TACACS+
  • Common in corporate environments to enhance security

IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)​

Defines wired LAN connections and ensures stable communication.

  • Standard for wired Ethernet networks
  • Provides link-layer security and reliability
  • Supports error detection and recovery

This keeps wired networks consistent and secure.

IEEE 802.11 (Wireless LAN)​

Covers wireless networks and ensures Wi-Fi works securely and efficiently.

  • Defines Wi-Fi protocols and security
  • Includes multiple variants for speed, range, and security

IEEE 802.11a​

Early high-speed Wi-Fi for 5 GHz networks.

  • Operates at 5 GHz, up to 54 Mbps
  • Less interference than 2.4 GHz
  • Shorter range than 2.4 GHz networks
  • Supports multiple channels for performance

IEEE 802.11b​

Original 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi standard.

  • Operates at 2.4 GHz, up to 11 Mbps
  • Widely compatible with older devices
  • Longer range but more interference
  • Suitable for basic web and email usage

IEEE 802.11g​

Faster Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz, backward compatible with 802.11b.

  • Up to 54 Mbps on 2.4 GHz
  • Works with older 802.11b devices
  • Better performance than 802.11b
  • Supports multimedia streaming

IEEE 802.11e​

Enhances Wi-Fi and provides QoS support of multimedia traffic.

  • Prioritizes voice and video traffic
  • Reduces latency for critical applications
  • Supports traffic classification
  • Improves performance in busy networks

IEEE 802.11i (WPA2)​

WPA2 was designed to improve upon security methods implemented with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).

  • Adds strong security to Wi-Fi networks
  • Provides WPA2-level encryption
  • Enforces authentication and integrity checks
  • Protects against common attacks
  • Required for enterprise Wi-Fi security

IEEE 802.11n​

IEEE 802.11n is a Wi-Fi standard that improves speed and range over older Wi-Fi versions.

  • Increases maximum data rate up to 600 Mbps
  • Uses MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antennas for better coverage
  • Operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands

802.11n improves Wi-Fi performance and reliability by combining multiple antennas and channels, making it suitable for homes and small offices.

IEEE 802.11ac​

802.11ac is a newer Wi-Fi standard focused on high-speed connections on 5 GHz.

  • Supports data rates up to several Gbps
  • Uses wider channels (80/160 MHz) for more bandwidth
  • Employs MU-MIMO to serve multiple devices simultaneously

This standard is ideal for streaming, gaming, and environments with many devices, providing fast and stable Wi-Fi.

IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)​

Wi-Fi 6 enhances Wi-Fi for crowded networks and higher efficiency.

  • Improves performance in dense areas like offices or apartments
  • Uses OFDMA to divide channels among multiple users
  • Supports Target Wake Time for better battery life on devices

Wi-Fi 6 keeps devices connected efficiently even when many are active, balancing speed and network management.

IEEE 802.11w (MFP)​

The IEEE 802.11w standard provides Management Frame Protection (MFP) that prevents certain types of attacks, such as replay and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.

  • Secures key management frames such as deauthentication and disassociation
  • Prevents spoofing and replay attacks that can force clients off the network
  • Stronger WLAN security, ensuring management traffic is verified and protected

IEEE 802.15.4 (WPAN)​

IEEE 802.15.4 is an IEEE standard for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs) that defines the physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) sublayer for low-power, low-cost, and low-data-rate wireless communication.

  • Used in IoT, such as sensors, smart meters, and home automation.
  • Serves as the foundation for protocols like Zigbee, Thread, and MiWi.
  • Supports short-range communication, typically around 10–20 meters.
  • Provides low data rates, commonly around 250 kbps.

IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX)​

IEEE standard 802.16 is a metropolitan area network (MAN) wireless standard that allows for wireless traffic to cover a much wider geographical area where stations can be as far as 70 km apart.

  • Covers long distances, with ranges of up to about 70 km.
  • High data rates using OFDM and advanced modulation techniques.
  • Used for last-mile connectivity in rural or underserved locations.
  • WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard.