What does the "maximum theoretical bandwidth" refer to in Wi-Fi standards?

The term "maximum theoretical bandwidth" in Wi-Fi standards indeed refers to the highest possible data rate achievable under ideal conditions. This concept is important in networking as it sets the benchmark for what users might expect from their Wi-Fi connections when everything is functioning optimally—meaning factors like interference, congestion, and physical obstructions are minimized or nonexistent.

Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax, specify these theoretical limits based on parameters such as the modulation techniques used, channel widths, and the number of spatial streams. However, real-world conditions often lead to lower actual performance. Therefore, when discussing the maximum theoretical bandwidth, it is essential to understand that this figure represents an upper limit rather than the typical performance that users experience day-to-day.

This understanding underscores the importance of having realistic expectations regarding Wi-Fi performance, given that many factors can affect the actual throughput users achieve.