How meaningful is the term rated bandwidth when talking to wireless users about the kind of performance they can expect on the wireless LAN?

The term "rated bandwidth" refers to the maximum data transfer rate specified by wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. However, it can be misleading for users, as actual performance is often affected by various factors like network congestion, distance from the access point, interference, and the number of connected devices. Consequently, while rated bandwidth provides a theoretical upper limit, users should be aware that real-world speeds are typically lower and can vary significantly based on their specific environment and usage conditions.