Frequency Bands And Channels - SonicWALL SonicPoint ACe Getting Started Manual

Frequency bands and channels
There are currently five widely adopted standards for 802.11 wireless network types: a, b, g, n, and ac. 802.11n and 802.11ac are
the newest and highest capacity standards, but older client devices may not be able to utilize the newer standards.
Wireless standards
802.11 (x) Frequency standard
802.11a 5 GHz
802.11b 2.4 GHz
802.11g 2.4 GHz
802.11n 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
802.11ac 5 GHz + multichannel + multipath
Different frequency bands provide varying signal strength and quality over different distance ranges. Signals in the 2.4 GHz range
tend to pass through physical barriers better and carry farther than those in the 5 GHz range, but they do not provide as high a
data rate. Signals in the 5 GHz range provide faster data rates for better throughput, but the signal attenuates faster and is best
suited for open spaces.
Strengths and weaknesses of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz signals
5 GHz
Strength Higher speed, more channels
Weakness Limited penetration of walls, client compatibility
Maximum data rate
54 Mbps
11 Mbps
54 Mbps
450 Mbps
1.3 Gbps
2.4 GHz
Longer Range, stronger signal penetration
More sources of interference
SonicWall SonicPoint ACe Getting Started Guide 7