Wi-Fi is one of the great backward compatibility success stories
Briefly

Wi-Fi's design prioritizes backward compatibility, enabling over sixty devices, from modern smartphones to older consoles like the Nintendo Wii, to connect seamlessly to the internet. This interoperability works through automatic adjustments based on device capabilities. The transition between Wi-Fi generations is slow, with older technologies continuing to coexist alongside the latest, necessitating rigorous testing and certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance to maintain this compatibility. The ongoing commitment of over 900 member companies ensures that legacy standards remain functional, further expanding the device support across diverse technology generations.
Wi-Fi devices embrace backward compatibility, working across generations, allowing even older models like the Nintendo Wii to seamlessly connect to modern routers.
Backward compatibility is intrinsic to Wi-Fi; products should design with it in mind, but testing is essential to ensure reliability and performance across devices.
Read at The Verge
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