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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.