What is the IEEE 802.11 standard primarily concerned with?

The IEEE 802.11 standard is primarily focused on wireless local area networks (WLANs), commonly known as Wi-Fi. This standard defines the technology for wireless communication between devices within a certain range, allowing for connectivity without the need for physical cables. It specifies the protocols and technical parameters that devices use to communicate over the airwaves, including radio frequencies, modulations, access methods, and security mechanisms.

As a central framework for wireless networking, IEEE 802.11 has enabled a multitude of devices—such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets—to connect to networks effortlessly in homes, offices, and public spaces. The protocol has evolved over the years, with various amendments introducing improved speeds, higher capacity, and enhanced security measures, making it a crucial standard in modern networking environments.

While Ethernet networking pertains to wired connections and is covered by different standards (such as IEEE 802.3), and Bluetooth focuses on short-range wireless communication (typically for peripheral device connectivity), the IEEE 802.11 standard is distinctly designed for implementing wireless connections in local area networks, reinforcing its role in the realm of Wi-Fi technology. Fiber optic specifications are addressed under entirely different standards focused on optical networking technologies.