Wireless
Standard |
802.11a
Wireless Standard
|
802.11b
Wireless Standard |
802.11g
Wireless Standard |
Frequency |
5 GHz
Underused 5 GHz band can coexist with 2.4 GHz networks without interference
|
2.4 GHz
Heavily used 2.4 GHz band. Interference from other 2.4 GHz devices
such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc. may occur
|
2.4 GHz
Heavily used 2.4 GHz band. Interference from other 2.4 GHz devices
such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc. may occur
|
Speed |
54 Mbps
5X greater than 802.11b
|
11 Mbps
Cable modem service typically averages no more than 4 to 5 Mbps
|
54 Mbps
5X greater than 802.11b
|
Average Actual
Throughput |
27
Mbps |
4-5
Mbps |
20-25 Mbps |
# Channels /
Non-overlapping |
12 / 8 |
11 / 3 |
11 / 3 |
Range
(Range will depend on antenna gain, transmit power, the receive
sensitivity of the radio card and any obstacles between path ends.)
|
Shorter range
than 802.11b and 802.11g. Due to higher operating frequency, typically
offers less range and is less capable of working through wall and floors. |
Better
range than 802.11a. 2.4 GHz signal travel farther, and can work through
walls and floors more effectively than 5 GHz signals |
Better range than 802.11a.
2.4 GHz signal travel farther, and can work through walls and floors more
effectively than 5 GHz signals |
Compatibility |
Incompatible
with 802.11b or 802.11g |
Widely adopted.
Will work in 802.11g networks |
Backwards compatible with
802.11b networks (at 11 Mbps); Incompatible with 802.11a |
Popularity |
User
base still relatively small. Limited selection on 802.11a equipment. |
Currently
has the largest user base. 802.11b is currently used in most hot spots
including airports, hotels, campuses, and public areas. Wide selection
of 802.11b equipment. |
Latest ratified
standard. With speeds up to 5 times faster than 802.11b, Expect this standard
to overtake 802.11b as the standard of choice. |
Cost |
Most expensive |
Cheapest |
Since this standard's ratification,
prices have dropped significantly. Pricing is competitive with 802.11b.
Cheaper than 802.11a |
Benefits |
Excellent
speed, unaffected by 2.4 GHz devices, can co-exist with 802.11b and 802.11g
networks without interference |
Largest
user base, cheapest, used in most public hot spots, largest user base,
wide selection of equipment |
The speed of 802.11a with
the range of 802.11b, compatible with 802.11b networks and hotspots, affordable |
