Which standard corresponds to 5 GHz only and can reach up to 3.5 Gbps?

Which standard corresponds to 5 GHz only and can reach up to 3.5 Gbps?

• A. 802.11ax
• B. 802.11b
• C. 802.11n
• D. 802.11ac

Answer: (D)

This question tests knowing which Wi‑Fi standard uses only the 5 GHz band and can deliver around 3.5 Gbps. 802.11ac fits this description because it operates exclusively in the 5 GHz spectrum (unlike some earlier standards that used 2.4 GHz as well) and achieves high throughput through wider channel bonding and advanced modulation. Specifically, it can use channels up to 160 MHz and 256‑QAM with MU‑MIMO, giving a theoretical maximum around 3.46 Gbps (often rounded to 3.5 Gbps) under ideal conditions. In contrast, 802.11b runs at 2.4 GHz with very low speeds; 802.11n can operate on both 2.4 and 5 GHz with lower maximums; and 802.11ax, while faster and more efficient, also uses 2.4 GHz and now 6 GHz in Wi‑Fi 6E, so it isn’t restricted to 5 GHz only.

This question tests knowing which Wi‑Fi standard uses only the 5 GHz band and can deliver around 3.5 Gbps. 802.11ac fits this description because it operates exclusively in the 5 GHz spectrum (unlike some earlier standards that used 2.4 GHz as well) and achieves high throughput through wider channel bonding and advanced modulation. Specifically, it can use channels up to 160 MHz and 256‑QAM with MU‑MIMO, giving a theoretical maximum around 3.46 Gbps (often rounded to 3.5 Gbps) under ideal conditions. In contrast, 802.11b runs at 2.4 GHz with very low speeds; 802.11n can operate on both 2.4 and 5 GHz with lower maximums; and 802.11ax, while faster and more efficient, also uses 2.4 GHz and now 6 GHz in Wi‑Fi 6E, so it isn’t restricted to 5 GHz only.