The wi-fi networking expertise employed by older Apple eMac computer systems, particularly their Airport playing cards, will be incompatible with trendy Wi-Fi requirements. This incompatibility arises as a result of older {hardware} is usually designed to function on earlier Wi-Fi protocols, reminiscent of 802.11b or 802.11g, whereas newer networks usually make the most of 802.11n, 802.11ac, and even 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) requirements. A typical state of affairs illustrating that is an eMac consumer being unable to connect with a not too long ago put in Wi-Fi router working solely on the 802.11n customary.
The divergence in Wi-Fi requirements highlights the development of wi-fi expertise. As newer requirements are developed, they provide elevated bandwidth, improved safety, and higher vary. Nevertheless, older {hardware} usually lacks the mandatory parts and software program to help these developments. Consequently, units with outdated wi-fi playing cards develop into more and more restricted of their capability to connect with up to date wi-fi networks. The historic context entails the evolution from slower, much less safe Wi-Fi protocols to sooner, extra sturdy ones, leaving older units behind.