What does IEEE 802.11 specify?

IEEE 802.11 specifies a family of protocols designed for wireless local area networks (WLANs). These protocols define how devices communicate with each other over a wireless medium within a local area, such as homes, offices, or public spaces. The standard encompasses various technologies that facilitate wireless connectivity, including specifications for signal modulation, physical layer characteristics, and security protocols that ensure safe and effective data transmission.

By establishing these guidelines, IEEE 802.11 plays a critical role in enabling devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and access points, to communicate seamlessly in a wireless environment, ultimately supporting the infrastructure of modern Wi-Fi networks. This standard is foundational in the development of wireless communication technologies and has evolved to include multiple amendments that address improvements in speed, distance, and security over the years.