The IT Guy
Wireless Networking Protocols
Question:
What is the difference between 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networking standards?
The IT Guy says:
802.11b, also known as "Wi-Fi," is a radio-based protocol using the same 2.4 GHz band of the radio spectrum as microwave ovens and wireless phones. While not a defacto standard, Wi-Fi is most prevalent today in schools and public wireless access areas, like libraries and airports. Wi-Fi is capable of optimal transmission speeds up to 11 Mbps.
802.11a signals operate in a higher 5 GHz radio band, allowing for transmission speeds of up to 54 Mbps, but are less commonly found. Access cards for 802.11a are not compatible with Wi-Fi networks.
802.11g operates on the same 2.4 GHz band as Wi-Fi, but are capable of transmission speeds twice as fast as 802.11b. 802.11g standards are expected to be formally approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in mid-2003. 802.11g networks can be backwards compatible with 802.11b networking equipment. Distance limitations vary among standards as well. For more information, see the article "Wireless Computing: New Opportunities and Challenges in Education".
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