The speed and stability of a wireless connection directly depend on the data transfer protocol your equipment uses. Many users are unaware that their router may be operating at its limits or, conversely, configured in an outdated mode that limits internet speed. Understanding the differences between Wi-Fi generations allows you to choose the right router and configure your devices for maximum performance.
There are many standards in the modern world, from the ancient 802.11b to the latest Wi-Fi 7, and each of them has unique throughput characteristics. Determining the current mode Checking the performance is the first step to fixing issues with lagging video or slow page load times. In this article, we'll cover detailed testing methods for all popular operating systems.
Don't ignore this aspect, as even with a high-speed plan from your provider, you may not receive the advertised megabits due to a bottleneck in your connection. Let's figure out how to diagnose the issue yourself without installing complex software.
Basic concepts and generations of wireless networks
Before moving on to the practical part, it's worth briefly reviewing the theory so you understand what exactly you're looking for in the settings. Wi-Fi standards are governed by IEEE 802.11 specifications, which evolve over time, offering ever-higher speeds and better interference handling. Wi-Fi Alliance Introduced simplified numbering (Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6) to make it easier for users to navigate technical abbreviations.
Each new generation brings not only speed gains but also improvements in spectrum efficiency, which is critical in apartment buildings where the airwaves are clogged with neighboring signals. For example, the transition to 5 GHz The 802.11ac standard has significantly reduced the load on data transmission channels.
- 📡 Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — the first standard to widely implement dual-antenna (MIMO) operation at 5 GHz, although many devices still only operate at 2.4 GHz.
- 🚀 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — a modern standard that operates exclusively in the 5 GHz range and provides gigabit speeds with support for wide channels.
- ⚡ Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — the latest technology, optimized for the simultaneous operation of a large number of connected devices without loss of speed.
⚠️ Attention: Router and operating system settings interfaces may change after firmware updates. If you can't find exact terms, search for synonyms or sections related to "Wireless," "WLAN," or "Wireless Network."
Understanding these differences will help you correctly interpret the data obtained during diagnostics. Users often confuse the internet speed from their provider with the maximum connection speed from their router, which is limited by the Wi-Fi standard.
Checking the Wi-Fi standard on Windows 10 and 11
Windows operating systems provide fairly detailed information about the current network connection, hidden deep within their settings. The fastest way to find out the protocol is to use the built-in monitoring tool, which doesn't require installing any additional software. You'll need to access the adapter details.
Right-click the network icon in the system tray (near the clock) and select "Network & Internet settings." Next, go to "Properties" for your active Wi-Fi connection. In the window that opens, scroll down to the "Properties" section, where you'll find the "Protocol" line. This is where the active standard, for example, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
☑️ Check in Windows
If the protocol line says Wi-Fi 4, but your router supports Wi-Fi 6, either the network card driver is outdated, or you are too far from the access point, and the device has switched to compatibility mode. In this case, updating drivers may solve the problem.
An alternative method for advanced users is to use the command line. Open the terminal (cmd) and enter the command netsh wlan show interfacesIn the list that appears, find the "Radio type" field, which will indicate the standard being used, such as 802.11ax or 802.11n.
netsh wlan show interfacesThis method often provides more technically accurate information than the graphical interface, especially on corporate networks. Please note that if you're using a USB adapter, its specifications may also limit the connection, even if the router is powerful.
macOS Diagnostics: Where to Find Information
Apple computer owners are fortunate to have a hidden but very informative utility for diagnosing wireless networks. The standard method through the settings menu only provides general information, so for precise Wi-Fi standard data, you need to use a dedicated menu.
Hold down the key Option (Alt) on your keyboard and simultaneously left-click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar. The menu will expand, revealing additional technical information. We're interested in the "PHY Mode" parameter, which indicates the current standard, for example, 802.11ac or 802.11ax.
For an even more detailed analysis, you can open System Monitor (Wireless Diagnostics). Click Cmd + Space, enter "Monitoring" and launch the utilities. From the "Window" menu, select "Performance", where real-time graphs and the current data transfer mode.
- 🍏 PHY Mode — the main indicator indicating the physical level of the protocol (n, ac, ax).
- 📶 Tx Rate — the current data transfer rate, which changes dynamically depending on the signal quality.
- 🔍 Channel — the channel number on which the network operates, which is important for assessing the airtime load.
What to do if your Mac shows slow speed?
If your Mac is connected using an older standard, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Also, make sure your router isn't set to "802.11n only" if your device supports ac or ax.
It's important to understand that older MacBooks may not physically support the new Wi-Fi 6 standards, even if the router supports them. In this case, the limitation will be on the client device.
How to check the standard on Android and iOS
Mobile operating systems often hide technical information from the average user to avoid cluttering the interface. However, there are ways to find connection details, although they may vary depending on the smartphone manufacturer.
On devices Android The situation varies. On stock Android (Pixel, Motorola), it's often enough to go to "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "Wi-Fi", tap the gear next to the active network, and find the "Wi-Fi Standard" or "Protocol" field. On smartphones Samsung or Xiaomi This information may be hidden in the About phone → Status menu or accessible through the engineering menu.
For iOS (iPhone, iPad), the situation is more complicated: Apple doesn't provide a native way to see the Wi-Fi standard (802.11ac/ax) in settings. The only reliable way is to use third-party network analysis apps, such as AirPort Utility (requires enabling the hidden scanning mode in the application settings) or Fing.
If you see that your phone is connected via Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) within range of a modern router, check the power saving settings. Some smartphones may artificially limit their communication module to conserve battery life.
It's also worth considering that the standard may change when switching between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 5 GHz is typically associated with newer protocols, but this isn't a given, as Wi-Fi 4 also operates in this range.
Analysis via the router's web interface
The most reliable source of information about the standard your network is broadcasting is in the router's settings. Accessing the control panel not only allows you to see the current mode but also force a switch if the automatic mode isn't working correctly.
To log in, enter the IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the browser's address bar. After logging in, find the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi Settings" section. There you'll see a "Mode" or "Wireless Mode" option.
In this menu, you'll see a list of supported standards. If "Mixed" is selected, the router will attempt to connect each device at the highest possible speed. However, sometimes forced mode setting 802.11ac only can solve instability problems of older devices.
| Standard | Frequency range | Max. speed (theoret.) | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | up to 600 Mbps | 2009 |
| 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | 5 GHz | up to 6.9 Gbps | 2013 |
| 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | up to 9.6 Gbps | 2019 |
| 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | up to 46 Gbps | 2026 |
Please pay attention to the channel width in the settings. For the AC and AX standards, it is recommended to set the width 80 MHz or 160 MHz accordingly, to unlock the speed potential. Narrow channel in 20 MHz will "strangle" even the most modern protocol.
The impact of drivers and hardware on speed
It often happens that both the router and the computer adapter support a fast standard, but the connection is established using an older protocol. In 80% of cases, the culprit is outdated network card drivers that are unable to work with new technologies.
Visit your laptop or network adapter manufacturer's website (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm Atheros) and download the latest driver. Automatic updates through Windows Device Manager often don't find the latest, optimized versions. Wi-Fi 6.
It's also worth checking the physical characteristics of the antennas. If the router's antenna is loose or damaged, the device may slow down and switch to a more stable, but slower, data transfer standard to maintain the connection.
⚠️ Attention: When updating network card drivers, make sure you download the correct version for your adapter model. Installing the wrong driver may result in the device disappearing from the system.
Keep in mind that distance and obstacles (walls, mirrors, microwaves) also influence the choice of standard. As devices move further away from the router, they automatically switch to longer-range but slower protocols (for example, from AC to N) to maintain the signal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my Wi-Fi 6 router only broadcasting Wi-Fi 4?
Most likely, your smartphone or laptop doesn't support the Wi-Fi 6 standard. Check the device's specifications. The issue could also be with your router's drivers or settings, where compatibility mode is forced.
Can Wi-Fi standard affect ping in games?
Yes, new standards (Wi-Fi 6) have technologies (OFDMA) that significantly reduce latency and stabilize ping, especially when many devices are active on the network at the same time.
Do I need to change my router if I have a 100 Mbps tariff?
For 100 Mbps speed, the 802.11n standard (Wi-Fi 4) is sufficient. However, upgrading to Wi-Fi 5 or 6 will provide better response and stability, even if the maximum speed remains the same.
How do I know if I'm on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?
In Windows, there's a "Band" field in the Wi-Fi network properties. On Android and iOS, it's often listed next to the network name or in the connection settings. 5 GHz almost always indicates a faster standard.