802.11ac device with older 802.11 access point

[pong3d]

Will a new 802.11ac device be able to connect to an older 802.11 protocol access point (router)? I am asking because someone I know is getting a new computer whose device is 802.11ac, but their router is older, most likely 802.11n.

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah, it will connect the protocols are downward compatible.

It is OK as long as the Router is so old that it does not support WPA and it forces you to use the Unsecure WEP.

N should be in the WPA era.

 

[pong3d]

Hi Jack,

To be clear 802.11ac backwards compatibility would apply whether the device OR the access point uses 802.11n?

 

[Fardringle]

Hi Jack,

To be clear 802.11ac backwards compatibility would apply whether the device OR the access point uses 802.11n?

Yes, either way. Wireless devices will use whatever speed and format that both ends of the connection support.

 

[azazel1024]

Hi Jack,

To be clear 802.11ac backwards compatibility would apply whether the device OR the access point uses 802.11n?

Yes, so long as compatibility with 802.11n is not disabled on the client or base station.