WiFi Protocol Generations

What are WiFi protocol generations?

Every WiFi connection uses a specific version of the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard. Newer versions are faster, handle more devices at once, and use airtime more efficiently. Since 2018, the Wi-Fi Alliance uses generation numbers to make them easier to understand:

Think of it like USB versions — USB 3 devices work in USB 2 ports, but at USB 2 speeds. Similarly, a WiFi 7 laptop connecting to a WiFi 5 access point will use WiFi 5 speeds.

Why it matters

The protocol your connection negotiates determines the ceiling for your wireless speed and responsiveness. Even with a perfect signal, a WiFi 4 access point limits a modern laptop to a fraction of what it could do.

This gap becomes especially visible with:

• Video calls and streaming — WiFi 4 maxes out at 150–300 Mbps in practice, which sounds like plenty, but the older protocol also has higher latency and less efficient scheduling
• Crowded environments — WiFi 6 and 7 can serve many devices simultaneously (OFDMA), while older protocols force devices to take turns
• Large file transfers — The real-world speed gap between WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 is meaningful for backups, cloud sync, and media work

Network Weather flags when there's a generation gap between your device's capability and the protocol you're actually using. A 2-generation gap (orange) means you're leaving performance on the table. A 3+ generation gap (red) means the access point is significantly limiting your connection.

What you can do

• Check your access point model — if it only supports WiFi 4 or 5, upgrading to a WiFi 6 or 6E access point is the single biggest improvement you can make
• Verify you're on the right band — some dual-band routers steer older devices to 2.4 GHz; make sure your Mac is connecting on 5 GHz or 6 GHz when available
• Update firmware — some access points gained WiFi 6 features through firmware updates
• For enterprise networks — talk to your IT team; fleet APs are often replaced on 5-year cycles and may be a generation or two behind
• Don't chase WiFi 7 yet — unless you have specific needs (multi-gig NAS, AR/VR, 4K streaming to many devices), WiFi 6 or 6E is excellent for most people

What Network Weather shows you

Network Weather detects the WiFi protocol your connection is using and flags when your access point may be holding back your device.

The protocol is negotiated between your device and the access point. Both sides must support a standard to use it.