Belkin Wireless G Desktop User Manual page 39

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 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; 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
Speed
11Mbps
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones
and microwave
ovens may
interfere with the
unlicensed band
2.4GHz
Compatible
with 802.11g
Depends on
interference
- typically
100–200 ft.
indoors
Mature –
widely adopted
54Mbps
54Mbps
Common
household
devices such as
cordless phones 5GHz -
and microwave uncrowded
ovens may band
interfere with the
unlicensed
band 2.4GHz
Incompatible
Compatible
with 802.11b
with 802.11b
or 802.11g
Less
Depends on
interference -
interference
range is
- typically 100–
typically
200 ft. indoors
50-100 ft.
Slow adoption
Expected to for consumers
continue to grow - more popular
in popularity in business
environments
37 37
108Mbps
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
2x the
coverage of
standard 802.11g
Expected to
continue to grow
in popularity
1
2
3
4
5
6