802.11 is a set of Wireless Local Area Network standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). According to the IEEE Standards Association, the “IEEE 802.11 specifications are wireless standards that specify an ‘over-the-air’ interface between a wireless client and a base station or access point, as well as among wireless clients.” Basically, 802.11 is a set of rules designed to help wireless devices communicate with one another.
SPECIAL NOTE: It is important that all the devices you intend to connect to your wireless network operate on compatible versions of the 802.11 standard. A summary of each version and its compatibility is provided below.