824  Wi-Fi Fundamentals and Standards: Chapter Index

Prerequisites: Mobile Wireless Basics | Networking Fundamentals

This enables: Wi-Fi Architecture and Mesh | Wi-Fi Security

824.1 Wi-Fi for IoT: Complete Guide

This comprehensive guide to Wi-Fi for IoT has been organized into focused chapters for easier learning and reference. Select the topic that matches your current needs.

824.2 Chapter Overview

Chapter Title Description Word Count
1 Wi-Fi Overview Introduction, when to use Wi-Fi, basic concepts ~2,000
2 Wi-Fi Standards Evolution 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi 6 features, HaLow ~3,500
3 Wi-Fi Frequency Bands 2.4/5/6 GHz selection, channel planning, interference ~3,800
4 Wi-Fi Power Consumption Battery optimization, TWT, protocol comparison ~3,200
5 Wi-Fi Deployment Planning Common mistakes, case studies, capacity planning ~4,000
6 Wi-Fi Certification Reference Standards, regulatory compliance, testing ~2,800
7 Wi-Fi Hands-On Labs Wokwi weather station, exercises, challenges ~3,500

824.3 Learning Path

824.3.1 For Beginners

Start with these chapters in order:

  1. Wi-Fi Overview - Understand what Wi-Fi is and when to use it for IoT
  2. Wi-Fi Standards Evolution - Learn about Wi-Fi generations and key features
  3. Wi-Fi Hands-On Labs - Build a weather station with Wokwi simulator

824.3.2 For Practitioners

Focus on implementation details:

  1. Wi-Fi Frequency Bands - Master channel selection and interference avoidance
  2. Wi-Fi Deployment Planning - Avoid common mistakes and learn from case studies
  3. Wi-Fi Power Consumption - Optimize for battery-powered devices

824.3.3 For Product Developers

Understand compliance and certification:

  1. Wi-Fi Certification Reference - Standards, testing, and regional requirements
  2. Wi-Fi Deployment Planning - Capacity planning and VLAN segmentation

824.4 Quick Reference: When to Use Wi-Fi

TipWi-Fi is Ideal When:
  • High bandwidth needed (cameras, video, audio)
  • Existing Wi-Fi infrastructure available
  • Devices are mains-powered or frequently charged
  • Internet connectivity required
  • Easy user setup expected (familiar to users)
WarningConsider Alternatives When:
  • Ultra-low power required (years on battery) - Use Zigbee, BLE, LoRaWAN
  • Very long range needed (>100m) - Use LoRaWAN, Sigfox, cellular
  • Very dense networks (hundreds of devices) - Use Zigbee, Thread
  • Very small data payloads (<1 kbps) - Use LPWAN protocols

824.5 Key Topics by Chapter

824.5.1 Wi-Fi Overview

  • What is Wi-Fi and how it works
  • Key terminology (SSID, AP, Station, Channel, Band)
  • ESP32 and Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi configuration
  • When to choose Wi-Fi vs alternatives

824.5.2 Wi-Fi Standards Evolution

  • 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax timeline and capabilities
  • Wi-Fi 6 game-changing features (TWT, OFDMA, BSS Coloring)
  • Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) for long-range IoT
  • Standard selection decision guide

824.5.3 Wi-Fi Frequency Bands

  • 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz vs 6 GHz characteristics
  • Channel overlap and the 1-6-11 rule
  • Interactive channel analyzer simulation
  • Multi-AP channel planning strategies

824.5.4 Wi-Fi Power Consumption

  • Power state breakdown (Deep Sleep to Active TX)
  • Battery life calculations with worked examples
  • Wi-Fi 6 TWT benefits and limitations
  • Protocol comparison for battery IoT

824.5.5 Wi-Fi Deployment Planning

  • Top 10 common deployment mistakes
  • Pre-deployment and post-deployment checklists
  • TechCorp 500-device case study
  • AP placement worked examples

824.5.6 Wi-Fi Certification Reference

  • IEEE 802.11 standards table
  • Wi-Fi Alliance certification programs
  • Regional regulatory requirements (FCC, CE, SRRC)
  • Pre-certification testing checklist

824.5.7 Wi-Fi Hands-On Labs

  • Wokwi ESP32 weather station tutorial
  • Step-by-step code walkthrough
  • Challenge exercises (beginner to advanced)
  • Channel analysis and power measurement exercises

824.7 What’s Next

Start with Wi-Fi Overview for a gentle introduction, or jump directly to the chapter that addresses your current learning needs.