Belkin F5D7000 User Manual page 41

Troubleshooting
What's the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a,
and Pre-N?
Currently there are four levels of wireless networking standards, which
transmit data at very different maximum speeds. Each is based on the
designation for certifying network standards. The most common wireless
networking standard, 802.11b, transmits information at 11Mbps; 802.11a
and 802.11g work at 54Mbps; and Pre-N works at 108Mbps. Pre-N, the
precursor to the upcoming 802.11n release, promises speeds that exceed
802.11g, and up to twice the wireless coverage area. See the following
chart for more detailed information.
Wireless Comparison Chart
Wireless
802.11b
Technology
Speed* 11Mbps
Common
household
devices such
as cordless
phones and
Frequency
microwave
ovens may
interfere with
the unlicensed
band 2.4GHz
Compatible
Compatibility
with 802.11g
Depends on
interference—
Coverage*
typically 100–
200 ft. indoors
Mature—legacy
Advantage
technology
*Distance and connection speeds will vary depending on your networking environment.
802.11g 802.11a
54Mbps 54Mbps
Common
household
devices such
as cordless
5GHz—
phones and
uncrowded
microwave
band
ovens may
interfere with
the unlicensed
band 2.4GHz
Incompatible
Compatible
with 802.11b or
with 802.11b
802.11g
Depends on Interference
interference— range is
typically 100– typically
200 ft. indoors 50–100 ft.
Less
Common—
interference—
widespread
great for
use for Internet
multimedia
sharing
application
36 36
Belkin Pre-N
600% faster
than standard
802.11g*
Common
household
devices such
as cordless
phones and
microwave
ovens may
interfere with
the unlicensed
band 2.4GHz
Compatible
with 802.11g or
802.11b
Up to 800%
wider coverage
than standard
802.11g*
Leading edge—
best coverage
and throughput