Whose in Charge of this Wireless World?

Robert J. Ditzig

I managed to come up with a short list that reaches far and wide:

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  • Wi-Fi Alliance
  • Regulatory Authorities
  • Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
  • Network Operators and Service Providers

One thing to note is that while these organizations and bodies play a significant role in the development, certification, and regulation of Wi-Fi technology, the actual control and management of Wi-Fi networks primarily rests with the network operators and service providers who own and operate the networks.

Regulations and Standards

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers):  The IEEE is responsible for developing, publishing. and maintaining the 802 standards, including the 802.11 standards, which define the technical specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs). The 802.11 working group within the IEEE is composed of engineers and experts from various companies and organizations who collaborate to develop and amend the 802.11 standards.

Wi-Fi Alliance: The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology and ensures interoperability between Wi-Fi devices from different manufacturers. The Wi-Fi Alliance is responsible for the following:

  • Certifying products for Wi-Fi compliance: Devices must pass a series of tests to ensure they meet the relevant 802.11 standards before they can be certified and carry the Wi-Fi logo.
  • Defining Wi-Fi branding and naming conventions: The Wi-Fi Alliance assigns user-friendly names (e.g., Wi-Fi 6) to the different 802.11 standards to make them more recognizable to consumers.
  • Driving the adoption of new Wi-Fi technologies: The Wi-Fi Alliance works with its member companies to promote and encourage the adoption of new Wi-Fi standards and features.
  • Defining additional specifications and features beyond the IEEE standards: The Wi-Fi Alliance may define additional optional features or specifications that complement the IEEE standards.

While the IEEE develops and maintains the core technical standards, the Wi-Fi Alliance plays a crucial role in promoting Wi-Fi technology, ensuring interoperability, and driving the adoption of new Wi-Fi standards and features in the consumer market.

Regulatory Authorities

Each country has its regulatory authority that oversees the allocation and management of radio frequency spectrum, which includes the frequencies used by Wi-Fi networks. These regulatory bodies enforce rules and regulations to ensure proper use of the radio spectrum and prevent interference between different wireless devices. In the United States, for example, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays a key role in regulating the use of radio spectrum. 

The FCC's primary role in Wi-Fi is to manage and allocate the radio frequency spectrum used by Wi-Fi devices. Specifically, the FCC:

  • Allocates and licenses the frequency bands used for Wi-Fi: The FCC determines which frequency bands can be used for Wi-Fi and sets rules for their use, such as power limits and interference protection requirements.
  • Enforces regulations on radio emissions: The FCC has rules on the maximum allowed radio emissions from Wi-Fi devices to prevent interference with other wireless services.
  • Ensures compliance with technical standards: The FCC requires Wi-Fi devices sold in the United States to comply with the relevant IEEE 802.11 standards and other applicable technical regulations.

While the FCC does not directly define the technical specifications of Wi-Fi standards, its regulations and spectrum allocation decisions significantly impact the development and deployment of Wi-Fi technologies.

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): 

The IETF is an open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of Internet architecture and protocols. While the IETF does not directly work on the Wi-Fi standards, it develops several protocols and standards that are relevant to Wi-Fi, such as:

  • Internet Protocol (IP) standards: The IETF develops and maintains the IPv4 and IPv6 standards, which are essential for Wi-Fi devices to connect to the Internet.
  • Security protocols: The IETF has developed security protocols like WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), which enhances the security of Wi-Fi networks.
  • Quality of Service (QoS) standards: The IETF defines standards for QoS mechanisms, which can be used to prioritize different types of network traffic, including Wi-Fi traffic.
  • Network management protocols: The IETF develops protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which can be used to manage and monitor Wi-Fi networks.

While the IEEE defines the core Wi-Fi standards, the IETF's work on Internet protocols and related technologies complements and enhances the functionality and interoperability of Wi-Fi networks.

Network Operators and Service Providers

Let's face it, Wi-Fi networks are typically owned and operated by various entities, including Internet service providers (ISPs), businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. These organizations and individuals are responsible for deploying and managing Wi-Fi infrastructure, including access points and network equipment, to provide wireless connectivity to users.

So, you are in charge of making sure that the wireless network(s) that you're a part of designing, implementing, and or monitoring stays within the Standards and Guidelines set forth by aforementioned committees, groups, and organizations.