Which Wi-Fi standard introduced backward compatibility with 802.11n?

The 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard introduced backward compatibility with 802.11n, which means that devices using 802.11ac can connect to networks that utilize 802.11n technology. This is significant because backward compatibility allows for a seamless transition from older wireless technologies to newer ones, ensuring that users do not need to replace all their existing equipment when upgrading to a faster standard.

The 802.11ac standard was designed to operate in the 5 GHz frequency band and offers higher throughput and capacity compared to 802.11n, while still being able to interact with 802.11n devices. This feature helps maintain connections to a wide range of devices in mixed environments, making it beneficial for users who want to leverage improved speeds while still using older hardware.

Other standards like 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g do not offer backward compatibility in relation to 802.11n, as they were developed earlier and do not support the same advancements that 802.11n introduced, such as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, which enhances network performance. This is why 802.11ac is the correct answer for demonstrating backward compatibility with 802