> My main interest is in researching cryptography
You may find this document interesting as it provides a relationship between the academic theory of cryptography and the practical application:
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/next_generation_cryptography
This document is telling us Cisco System's guidance on what kinds of crypto to use for various usage scenarios in response to Quantum Computing risks.
Some further explanations here:
https://blogs.cisco.com/security/cisco-next-generation-encryption-and-postquantum-cryptography
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/enterprise-networks/next-generation-encryption/index.html
As you may know, this was all made more important than ever before after Edward Snowden informed the world that the NSA can, and is tapping into private WAN networks previously thought to be sufficiently secure.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-23123964
> Also, it's interesting that Wi-Fi, which is now so ubiquitous, was given what is objectively one of the worst bands for radio communications (because it's an unlicensed service).
WiFi specialists are seeing absolutely zero end in sight to the growth of their industry.
Businesses and consumers are addicted to the flexibility of wireless connectivity.
Managing frequencies and channels is complicated, as is radio positioning, and antenna selection.
Truly a growth industry.
If you want to dabble in learning a bit more about it, consider this path:
https://www.cwnp.com/it-certifications/
https://www.amazon.com/CWT-100-Certified-Wireless-Technician-Official-ebook/dp/B079C4HTJL/
The CWNP series of training & certifications is vendor agnostic, and RF focused.
Cisco's Wireless certification is a little short on RF theory, and to some extent over-focuses on what to click on in their management tool to make the network do what you want it to do.
CWNP's approach is that if you truly understand what you need the network to do, you can probably figure out what to click on.
> I wonder why the FCC or ITU hasn't done anything about that yet. It's nice to have a wired connection, though.
Welcome to the world of WiFi6 or 802.11ax, the latest WiFi standard.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ax
802.11ax is a serious step-forward in technology capability.
All the currently available WiFi6 products are kinda early-edition, so most companies are waiting until next year before they invest.
But the adoption will be significant in scope and expense.