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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