IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs) developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Commonly known as Wi-Fi, it specifies the technologies for wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. 

• Multiple Versions: IEEE 802.11 has evolved over the years, with each version introducing new features and improvements. Some of the notable versions include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
• Physical Layer (PHY): IEEE 802.11 specifies different physical layer specifications for wireless communication. These specifications define aspects such as modulation techniques, channel bandwidth, and frequency bands used for transmission.
• Media Access Control (MAC) Layer: The MAC layer of IEEE 802.11 defines protocols for accessing the wireless medium. It includes mechanisms for managing contention between multiple devices attempting to transmit data over the same wireless channel.
• Wireless Security: IEEE 802.11 standards include security mechanisms to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and data interception. Common security protocols include Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WPA2/WPA3.
• Data Rates and Throughput: Different versions of IEEE 802.11 offer varying maximum data rates and throughput capabilities. Newer versions generally support higher data rates and improved efficiency, enabling faster wireless connections.