Here's a detailed list of various wireless technologies that are commonly used today:

1. Wi-Fi (802.11 Standards):

   • 802.11a: Operates on the 5 GHz band, providing higher data rates but with shorter range compared to 802.11b/g.

   • 802.11b: Operates on the 2.4 GHz band, offering a slower data rate than 802.11a but with better range.

   • 802.11g: Operates on the 2.4 GHz band, combining the speed of 802.11a and the range of 802.11b.

   • 802.11n: Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, providing increased data rates and improved range through multiple antennas (MIMO).

   • 802.11ac: Operates on the 5 GHz band, delivering higher data rates and improved performance over 802.11n, often used for high-density environments.

   • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): The latest standard operating on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, designed for increased efficiency, capacity, and better performance in crowded areas.

2. Bluetooth:

   • Bluetooth 1.x-3.0: Early versions primarily used for short-range communication between devices (e.g., wireless headsets, keyboards).

   • Bluetooth 4.0/LE: Introduced low-energy functionality, expanding applications to devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches.

   • Bluetooth 5.0: Enhanced data transfer speeds, longer range, and improved interoperability with other wireless technologies.

3. Zigbee:

   • Low-power, short-range wireless communication protocol designed for low-cost and low-complexity applications, often used in home automation and sensor networks.

4. Z-Wave:

   • Similar to Zigbee, Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol for home automation, known for its low power consumption and reliability.

5. NFC (Near Field Communication):

   • Enables short-range communication between devices (typically within a few centimeters), commonly used for contactless payments and data transfer.

6. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification):

   • Uses wireless communication to identify and track objects using RFID tags and readers, widely employed in logistics and inventory management.

7. Cellular Networks:

   • 2G (GSM, CDMA): Second-generation cellular networks, providing basic voice and text communication.

   • 3G (UMTS, CDMA2000): Third-generation networks offering improved data rates for mobile internet.

   • 4G LTE: Fourth-generation networks with faster data speeds, supporting high-quality video streaming and other data-intensive applications.

   • 5G: Fifth-generation networks with significantly increased data speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced capacity to support emerging technologies like IoT and augmented reality.

8. Satellite Communication:

   • Utilizes satellites to enable wireless communication over vast distances, commonly used for global internet connectivity and broadcasting.

9. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access):

   • Provides wireless broadband access over a wide area, serving as an alternative to traditional wired broadband.

10. LoRa (Long Range):

    • A low-power, long-range wireless communication technology designed for IoT applications, offering extended coverage and efficient power consumption.

11. Sigfox:

    • A narrowband, low-power IoT communication technology with a focus on long-range, low-cost connectivity for various devices.

12. 5G NR (New Radio):

    • The latest standard in cellular networks, offering higher data rates, lower latency, and increased capacity compared to 4G LTE.

These wireless technologies cater to diverse needs, from personal and local communication to long-range, global connectivity, and they play crucial roles in the advancement of IoT, mobile communications, and emerging technologies.

​

Here's a detailed overview of the speeds and a timeline for Wi-Fi and cellular technologies:

Wi-Fi Standards:

1. 802.11a (1999):

   • Speed: Up to 54 Mbps

   • Frequency: 5 GHz

2. 802.11b (1999):

   • Speed: Up to 11 Mbps

   • Frequency: 2.4 GHz

3. 802.11g (2003):

   • Speed: Up to 54 Mbps

   • Frequency: 2.4 GHz

4. 802.11n (2009):

   • Speed: Up to 600 Mbps

   • Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

5. 802.11ac (2014):

   • Speed: Up to 3.5 Gbps

   • Frequency: 5 GHz

6. 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6, 2019):

   • Speed: Up to 9.6 Gbps

   • Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Cellular Networks:

1. 2G (GSM, CDMA, late 1980s/early 1990s):

   • Speed: 9.6 kbps to 384 kbps

2. 3G (UMTS, CDMA2000, early 2000s):

   • Speed: 200 kbps to several Mbps

3. 4G LTE (2009 onwards):

   • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (LTE Advanced)

   • Significant improvement in data rates, reduced latency, and enhanced overall performance.

4. 5G (2019 onwards):

   • Speed: Up to 10 Gbps (peak)

   • Reduced latency, increased network capacity, and support for massive device connectivity.