Many people use the terms WLAN and WiFi interchangeably when connecting their smartphones, tablets, or laptops wirelessly to the internet through a router. Whilst both refer to wireless network connections, WLAN and WiFi don't mean exactly the same thing. In this article, we'll explore the differences between these terms, their origins, and the technical standards behind them.
WiFi and WLAN – What's the Difference?
In many English-speaking countries, the term WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is widely used. It refers to a local wireless network – a cable-free connection within a limited area such as a home or office. The term WiFi, on the other hand, originated in the English-speaking world and was introduced in 1999 by the Wi-Fi Alliance. This organisation certifies devices that meet the IEEE 802.11 standard and awards them the well-known WiFi logo. The name WiFi is a play on words – inspired by Hi-Fi (High Fidelity) – and represents high-quality wireless data transmission.
Certification vs Technology
The difference between WLAN and WiFi lies in the details: WLAN is the umbrella term for wireless networks. WiFi, however, describes certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Devices bearing the WiFi logo guarantee interoperability – regardless of the manufacturer. The technical foundation is the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard. This was published in 1997 after approximately seven years of development by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Since then, the Wi-Fi Alliance has ensured that new devices comply with this standard and are mutually compatible.
This means: every WiFi device is a WLAN device, but not every WLAN is automatically WiFi. In Europe, for example, HiperLAN existed as an alternative standard that wasn't equivalent to WiFi. Nevertheless, the term WiFi has become established worldwide – primarily because the certification creates trust.
WiFi Gets Faster
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Since the introduction of the first 802.11 standard, the technology has developed rapidly. Originally, data was transmitted at just 2 Mbps over the 2.4 GHz band. Today, modern devices also operate in the 5 GHz or even 6 GHz ranges. Since 2019, the 802.11ax standard, better known as WiFi 6, has been in use. It offers significantly higher data rates, more stable connections with many simultaneously connected devices, and better energy efficiency.
WiFi 6E added the 6 GHz frequency band – ideal for environments with many networks, such as apartment buildings. WiFi 7 is already in development, officially designated as 802.11be. This standard will also operate across all three frequency bands – 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz – enabling even higher speeds and lower latency. The final specifications were expected by the end of 2024, though the process remained incomplete as of January 2025.
From Hawaii to the World
The idea of transmitting data wirelessly is older than many think. As early as 1971, the first wireless network was created at the University of Hawaii: ALOHAnet. It connected the university's locations spread across several islands. In the late 1970s, the IEEE took up the concept and began standardisation. In the 1980s, the US regulatory authority FCC made the technology accessible for the commercial market – paving the way for innovation and growth.
In 1988, the company Lucent brought the first product to market: WaveLAN. Because it patented its technology, WLAN was initially expensive and remained the preserve of businesses. It wasn't until Steve Jobs introduced the first iBook with integrated WLAN technology in 1999, and IEEE standardisation simultaneously drove down prices, that the mass market breakthrough began.
Now Standard in Billions of Devices
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The importance of wireless networks today can hardly be overstated. In 2003, there were approximately 500 million networked devices worldwide – by 2024, this had reached around 50 billion. On average, each person now owns 6.58 WLAN-capable devices. Less than two decades ago, it was just 0.08 – meaning one device had to be shared amongst roughly twelve people.
WLAN is a Technology, WiFi is a Quality Mark
In summary: WLAN is the technology behind wireless networks, whilst WiFi is the quality mark for it. So when you ask for the WiFi password at your local café, you're technically using the correct term – even though many still refer to it as WLAN.
Key Differences at a Glance:
- WLAN: Umbrella term for wireless local area networks (Wireless Local Area Network)
- WiFi: Certification mark from the Wi-Fi Alliance for IEEE 802.11-compatible devices
- Standard: IEEE 802.11 forms the technical foundation
- Compatibility: WiFi logo guarantees interoperability between devices from different manufacturers
- Current Version: WiFi 6 (802.11ax) since 2019, WiFi 7 in development
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (with WiFi 6E and newer)
