Belkin F5D7230-4 User Manual page 128

Troubleshooting Troubleshooting
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 802.11x, 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
Speed
Frequency
Compatibility
Range
Adoption
Price
802.11b
11Mbps
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens. May
interfere with
the 2.4GHz
unlicensed band
Compatible with
802.11g
Depends on
interference -
typically 50-300
ft. indoors
Mature - widely
adopted
Inexpensive
126 126
802.11g
54Mbps
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens. May
interfere with
the 2.4GHz
unlicensed band
Compatible with
802.11b
Depends on
interference -
typically 50–300
ft. indoors
Expected to
continue to grow
in popularity
More expensive
802.11a
54Mbps
5GHz -
uncrowded band
Incompatible
with 802.11b or
802.11g
Less interference
- range is
typically 50-100
feet
Slow adoption
for consumers -
more popular in
business
Most expensive