"The evolution of Wi-Fi Networks: A comprehensive Study of the IEEE 802.11 Standards with a Focus on the Upcoming IEEE 802.11be Version"

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of Wi-Fi networks, analyzing the main characteristics of the different versions of the IEEE 802.11 standard. The Wi-Fi technology has become an essential part of our daily lives, and the ongoing development of this wireless technology is crucial to meeting the growing demands for faster speeds, lower latency, and better user experiences in a variety of environments. The first chapter discusses the development of the six major Wi-Fi generations, from the first IEEE 802.11 standard release to the upcoming IEEE 802.11be amendment, describing its key features and advancements. The operations to be performed at both PHY and MAC layers are defined through these standards, evolving ever more to address the future communication challenges and achieving the goal of connecting everyone and everything, everywhere. The second chapter examines the new specifications introduced in the IEEE 802.11be version, also known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT). These enhancements aim to improve device interoperability and connectivity, increase data transmission speeds, reduce latency and maintaining backward compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 devices. These advancements have a significant impact across both consumer and industrial sectors. Next, the study examines the importance of standard developments and certification process, which help achieve technical excellence, security and fosters innovation. It first focuses on the description of the IEEE standardization process, ensuing its integrity through well-defined principles and procedure follows at each step. Certifications, on the other hand, guarantee the interoperability and security of products and services, allowing the choice of the best certification paths depending on the needs. Finally, the explanation of the benefits of Wi-Fi certified equipments for various stakeholders concludes the thesis.