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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
Frequency
and microwave
ovens may
interfere with the
unlicensed band
2.4 GHz
Compatible
Compatibility
with 802.11g
Depends on
interference -
Range
typically 100–200
ft. indoors
Mature –
Adoption
widely adopted
Price
Inexpensive
802.11g
54Mbps
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens may
interfere with the
unlicensed
band 2.4 GHz
Compatible
with 802.11b
Depends on
interference -
typically 100–200
ft. indoors
Expected to
continue to grow
in popularity
More expensive
41
41
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
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