Which Wi-Fi standard was released in 1997 and operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency band?

The Wi-Fi standard that was released in 1997 and operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency band is indeed the original 802.11 standard. This foundational standard was significant because it marked the beginning of wireless local area networking, providing a way for devices to communicate without physical connections. The 802.11 standard operates primarily at the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which allows for widespread compatibility with various devices, offering a basic data transfer rate that laid the groundwork for future advancements in wireless technology.

As the original standard, 802.11 paved the way for subsequent Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Each of these later standards introduced enhancements over the original, including increased speeds and improved performance, but they were all built upon the principles established by the 802.11 standard. Understanding this historical context is vital as it illustrates the evolution of wireless networking and the significance of the 2.4 GHz frequency in providing a widespread and reliable wireless solution.