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Wireless G Router
SECTIONSTable of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 109
TROUBLESHOOTING
What is the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, and
Draft-N?
Currently there are four levels of wireless networking standards, which
transmit data at very different maximum speeds� Each is based on
the designation 802�11(x), so named by the IEEE, the board that is
responsible for certifying networking standards� The most common
wireless networking standard, 802�11b, transmits information at
11Mbps; 802�11a and 802�11g work at 54Mbps; and Draft-N works up
to 300Mbps� Draft-N, the precursor to the upcoming 802�11n release,
promises speeds that exceed 802�11g, and up to twice the wireless
coverage area� See the following chart for more detailed information�
Wireless Comparison Chart
Wireless
Technology
802.11b 802.11g 802.11a Belkin Draft-N
Speed 11Mbps 54Mbps 54Mbps Up to 300Mbps
Frequency Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens may
interfere with
the unlicensed
band 2�4GHz
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens may
interfere with
the unlicensed
band 2�4GHz
5GHz—
uncrowded
band
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens may
interfere with
the unlicensed
band 2�4GHz
Compatibility Compatible with
802�11g
Compatible with
802�11b
Incompatible
with 802�11b or
802�11g
Compatible
with 802�11g or
802�11b
Coverage Depends on
interference—
typically
100–200 ft�
indoors
Depends on
interference—
typically
100–200 ft�
indoors
Interference
range is
typically
50–100 ft�
Up to 800%
wider coverage
than standard
802�11g
Advantage Mature—legacy
technology
Common—
widespread
use for Internet
sharing
Less
interference—
great for
multimedia
application
Leading edge—
best coverage
and throughput