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What’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a?
Currently there are three 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. 802.11b transmits
information at 11Mbps; 802.11a and 802.11g work at 54Mbps. See
the following chart for more detailed information.
Wireless Comparison
Wireless
Technology
802.11b 802.11g 802.11a
Speed 11Mbps 54Mbps 54Mbps
Frequency
2.4GHz -
unlicensed band,
may interfere
with common
household
devices: cordless
phones and
microwave ovens
2.4GHz -
unlicensed band,
may interfere
with common
household
devices: cordless
phones and
microwave ovens
5GHz - uncrowded
band
Compatibility
Compatible with
802.11g
Compatible with
802.11b
Incompatible with
802.11b or
802.11g
Range
Depends on
interference -
typically 100–200
ft. indoors
Depends on
interference -
typically 100–200
ft. indoors
Less interference -
range is
typically 50-100 feet
Adoption
Mature - widely
adopted
Expected to
continue to grow
in popularity
Slow adoption for
consumers -
more popular in
business
environments
Price Inexpensive More expensive Most expensive
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