Definition: 802.11 is the generic name of a family of standards for wireless networking related to Wi-Fi. The numbering system for 802.11 comes from the IEEE, who uses "802" to designate many computer networking standards including Ethernet (802.3).
802.11 standards define rules for communication on wireless local area networks (WLANs). Popular 802.11 standards include 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n.
802.11 (with no letter suffix) was the original standard in this family, ratified in 1997. 802.11 defined WLANs that operate at 1-2 Mbps. This standard is obsolete today.
Each extension to the original 802.11 appends a unique letter to the end of the name. While 802.11g and 802.11n are the most interesting to the average consumer, many other extensions exist or are under development.
See also: IEEE 802.11 Working Group Standards
Also Known As: 802.11X, Wi-Fi
