What is IEEE 802.11 commonly known as?

IEEE 802.11 is commonly recognized as the set of standards that govern wireless local area networks (WLANs), which is more popularly known as Wi-Fi. This designation reflects its primary function: enabling devices to communicate with each other and access the internet without the need for direct wired connections. Wi-Fi has become a household term synonymous with wireless networking, allowing for mobility and convenience in connecting various devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The other options refer to different types of networking standards. Ethernet networking pertains to wired connections that fall under the IEEE 802.3 standard, while wired LAN specifications focus on physical connections rather than wireless. Fiber optic communication standards, on the other hand, deal with high-speed data transmission over fiber optic cables, which is distinct from wireless communications. Therefore, the choice identifying IEEE 802.11 as the Wireless Ethernet standard or Wi-Fi accurately reflects its role in contemporary networking.