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Compare Wireless Connection Standards

Wireless networks are definitely easier to set up than a wired network. However, if you’re interested in a wireless broadband local area network (WLAN), there are a number of decisions you must make before you create your choose your equipment. First, you have to decipher the alphabet soup of the 802.11 wireless standards. Many products conform to different wireless standards such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and Bluetooth. In order to decide what you need, you need to understand the pluses and minuses as well as the ins and outs of these categories.

Wireless Network Standards: A History

The original 802.11 standard was approved back in 1997, when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the first WLAN standard. 802.11 only supported a maximum bandwidth of 2 Mbps, which is much too slow for most current applications and 802.11 wireless products are no longer manufactured.

The IEEE upgraded the original 802.11 standard after two years 802.11b, which is faster at 11 Mbps while working on the same frequency. There can be problems with microwave ovens, cordless phones and other appliances that use the same range, but they are avoidable. It the least expensive option with a good signal range. However, it’s fairly slow and doesn’t support many users at the same time.  Today, most wireless LAN installations conform to 802.11b, which has a wide base in the home market.

Wireless Network Connection Standards and Speeds

At the same time, IEEE developed 802.11a, which has a faster speed of 54 Mbps and operates on a different frequency, 5 GHz. (Because they use different frequencies, a and b devices will not work together.) 802.11a is faster and can handle more simultaneous users, but it costs more and has a limited signal range that can be more easily obstructed. Consequently, it is found primarily in businesses.

802.11g, which was used in various devices beginning in 2002, tries to incorporate the best of 802.11a and 802.11b. Its maximum bandwidth is up to 54 Mbps using the 2.4 GHz frequency for greater range. 802.11g and 802.11b are compatible but g supports more simultaneous users.

WLAN Standards Comparison in a Nutshell

  • 802.1b is widely adopted, up to 11Mbps, inexpensive, 2.4GHz, 100-150 feet, many public hotspots.

  • 802.11a is up to 54 Mbps, more expensive, 5 GHz, 25 to 75 feet, not compatible with either b or g.

  • 802.11g is up to 54 Mbps, inexpensive, 2.4GHz, 100-150 feet, compatible with b,  but incompatible with a.

Benefits of a Wireless LAN

  • Can go almost anywhere
  • Simple and quick to set up
  • Overall costs are lower
  • Easily expandable because  configurations are easily changed