Wireless
Standard |
802.11a
Wireless Standards
|
802.11b
Wireless Standards |
802.11g
Wireless Standards |
Frequency |
5.8
GHz
Underused
5.8 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
|
Range
(Range
will depend on antenna gain, transmit power applied
to the antenna, the receive sensitivity of the radio
card and the obstacles between path ends.)
|
Shorter
range than 802.11b and 802.11g |
Good
Range. Better range than 802.11a |
Good
Range. Same range as 802.11b. Better range than 802.11a. |
Compatibility |
Incompatible
with 802.11b or 802.11g |
Widely
adopted |
Backwards
compatible with 802.11b networks (at 11 Mbps); Incompatible
with 802.11a |
Popularity |
User
base still relatively small |
Currently
has the largest user base. 802.11b is currently used in
most hot spots including airports, hotels, campuses, and
public areas. |
Currently
a draft standard awaiting ratification. Expect this standard
to overtake 802.11b as the standard of choice. |
Cost |
Most
expensive |
Cheapest |
More
expensive than 802.11b but cheaper than 802.11a |
Benefits |
Excellent
speed, unaffected by 2.4 GHz devices, can co-exist with
802.11b and 802.11g networks |
Lowest
price, excellent signal range, coverage penetrate most
walls, works with public hotspots |
The
speed of 802.11a with the range of 802.11b, compatible
with 802.11b networks and hotspots, excellent signal strength |