Which standard is considered the earliest Wi-Fi standard that was not used commercially?

The 802.11 standard is indeed recognized as the earliest Wi-Fi standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Introduced in 1997, it laid the foundational framework for wireless networking. However, while the standard set the stage for future Wi-Fi technology, it was not widely implemented in commercial products or in public networks. This lack of commercial use resulted from several limitations, such as a maximum data rate of only 2 Mbps and compatibility issues with other devices.

In contrast, subsequent standards like 802.11b and 802.11g provided better performance and were adopted more widely. 802.11a also had advancements over the original standard, but it was limited by its higher frequency, which restricted range despite offering faster speeds. Each of these later standards built upon the groundwork that 802.11 established but succeeded in commercial use due to their improved capabilities and market demand. Thus, 802.11 represents the initial effort towards Wi-Fi technology but did not find its way into widespread commercial application.