AVM FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N Installation, Configuration And Operation page 31

The range within a WLAN is highly dependent on the fol-
Range
lowing three factors:
•
•
•
This standard communicates with a maximum of
IEEE 802.11a
54 Mbit/s and works exclusively in the seldom used 5-
GHz range. This means it offers the opportunity to transmit
data relatively free of interference from external influenc-
es.
With a maximum throughput rate of 11 Mbit/s, this is the
IEEE 802.11b
oldest standard for radio networks in the 2.4 GHz frequen-
cy range (ISM). First-generation WLAN access points, for
example, can use this standard to communicate with the
FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N.
This is currently the most common WLAN standard. It com-
IEEE 802.11g
municates with a maximum of 54 Mbit/s gross in the 2.4-
GHz frequency range (ISM) and guarantees broad compat-
ibility with many WLAN devices.
However, due to heavy use of the 2.4-GHz range, interfer-
ence is more common than in the less-used 5-GHz range.
This standard allows for high throughput rates and rang-
IEEE 802.11n
es. The FRITZ!WLAN USB Stick N supports 802.11n in the
2.4-GHz frequency band, or, if desired, also in the 5-GHz
frequency band. Modulation processes and antenna tech-
niques like MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) use
the entire frequency band available more effectively than
the older standards.
The use of the 802.11n standard—and thus the availabili-
ty of higher throughput rates—is possible only if the WLAN
connection is secured using the WPA2 security mecha-
nism (AES-CCMP).
the WLAN adapter used,
the structural conditions, and
the amount of radio traffic on the same frequency
band. Other wireless networks may be active, but al-
so what are known as analog interferers (for instance
baby monitors, video bridges, DECT telephones,
Bluetooth transmitters for mobile telephones, and
microwave ovens).
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