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What’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, and Pre-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 Pre-N works
at 108Mbps. Pre-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
Pre-N
Speed
11Mbps 54Mbps 54Mbps 108Mbps
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
Less interference
- range is
typically
50–100 ft.
8x the
coverage of
standard 802.11g
Adoption
Mature –
widely adopted
Expected to
continue to grow
in popularity
Slow adoption
for consumers -
more popular in
business
environments
Expected to
continue to grow
in popularity
Troubleshooting