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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. The most common
wireless networking standard, 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
Common
household devices
such as cordless
phones and
microwave ovens
may interfere
with the 2.4GHz
unlicensed band
Common
household devices
such as cordless
phones and
microwave ovens
may interfere
with the 2.4GHz
unlicensed band
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