Belkin Wireless G Ethernet Adapter User Manual page 34

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 802.11(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
Speed
11Mbps
Common
household devices
such as cordless
phones and
Frequency
microwave ovens
may interfere
with the 2.4GHz
unlicensed band
Compatible with
Compatibility
802.11g
Depends on
interference -
Range
typically 100–200
ft. indoors
Mature - widely
Adoption
adopted
Price
Inexpensive
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 100–200
ft. indoors
Expected to
continue to grow in
popularity
More expensive
32 32 32
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
environments
Most expensive