5G is coming!

From a 3GPP perspective, we are all familiar with 2G, 3G and the controversial 4G. However it is interesting to note that Wi-Fi developments can also be classed in generations and work is well underway on 5G, with the first products destined to hit the shops in 2012.

5G, or its technical name 802.11ac, looks very advanced as a wireless technology. It will use the 5GHz band, be capable of 256QAM, beamfroming, support 8x8 MIMO and up to 160MHz bandwidth.

The diagram below (click to enlarge) provides a good illustration of how Wi-Fi has developed over the years  and where 5G fits in.

Wi-Fi generations (Broadcom)