Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) Practice Test

The key benefit of using 802.11ac over its predecessors is the higher maximum throughput. 802.11ac, often referred to as Wi-Fi 5, introduces several advanced technologies that enhance data transfer rates significantly compared to earlier standards like 802.11n. By utilizing wider channels (up to 160 MHz), more spatial streams (up to eight), and improved modulation techniques (such as 256-QAM), 802.11ac can provide maximum throughput rates that can exceed gigabit speeds under optimal conditions. This increase in throughput makes it particularly advantageous for applications that require substantial bandwidth, such as video streaming, online gaming, and other high-performance network usages.

While other options touch on relevant aspects of wireless networking, they do not represent the primary advantage of 802.11ac over earlier standards in the same impactful way. The focus on maximum throughput highlights the significant technological evolution represented by this standard.