ZyXEL Communications P-334WT Support Notes page 45

8. How fast is 802.11b ?
The IEEE 802.11b standard has a nominal speed of 11 megabits per second (Mbps). However,
depending on signal quality and how many other people are using the wireless ethernet through a
particular Access Point, usable speed will be much less (on the order of 4 or 5 Mbps, which is still
substantially faster than most dialup, cable and DSL modems).
9. What is 802.11a ?
802.11a the second revision of 802.11 that operates in the unlicensed 5 GHz band and allows
transmission rates of up to 54Mbps. 802.11a uses OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing)
as opposed to FHSS or DSSS. Higher data rates are possible by combining channels. Due to higher
frequency, range is less than lower frequency systems (i.e., 802.11b and 802.11g) and can increase the
cost of the overall solution because a greater number of access points may be required. 802.11a is not
directly compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g networks. In other words, a user equipped with an 802.11b
or 802.11g radio card will not be able to interface directly to an 802.11a access point. Multi-mode NICs
will solve this problem.
10. What is 802.11g ?
802.11g is an extension to 802.11b. 802.11g increases 802.11b's data rates to 54 Mbps and still utilise
the the 2.4 GHz ISM. Modulation is based upon OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing)
technology. An 802.11b radio card will interface directly with an 802.11g access point (and vice versa)
at 11 Mbps or lower depending on range. The range at 54 Mbps is less than for 802.11b operating at 11
Mbps.
11. Is it possible to use products from a variety of vendors ?
Yes. As long as the products comply to the same IEEE 802.11 standard. The Wi-Fi logo is used to
define 802.11b compatible products. Wi-Fi5 is a compatibility standard for 802.11a products running in
the 5GHz band.
12. What is Wi-Fi ?
The Wi-Fi logo signifies that a product is interoperable with wireless networking equipment from other
vendors. A Wi-Fi logo product has been tested and certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility
Alliance (WECA). The Socket Wireless LAN Card is Wi-Fi certified, and that means that it will work
(interoperate) with any brand of Access Point that is also Wi-Fi certified.
13. What types of devices use the 2.4GHz Band ?
Various spread spectrum radio communication applications use the 2.4 GHz band. This includes
WLAN systems (not necessarily of the type IEEE 802.11b), cordless phones, wireless medical telemetry
equipment and Bluetooth™ short-range wireless applications, which include connecting printers to
computers and connecting modems or hands-free kits to mobile phones.
Does the 802.11 interfere with Bluetooth devices?
14.
Any time devices are operated in the same frequency band, there is the potential for interference.