150
compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points
work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.
While 802.11b was in development, IEEE created a second
extension to the original 802.11 standard called 802.11a.
Because 802.11b gained in popularity much faster than did
802.11a, some folks believe that 802.11a was created after
802.11b. In fact, 802.11a was created at the same time. Due to
its higher cost, 802.11a is usually found on business networks
whereas 802.11b better serves the home market.
802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a
regulated frequency spectrum around 5 GHz. This higher
frequency compared to 802.11b shortens the range of 802.11a
networks. The higher frequency also means 802.11a signals
have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions.
Because 802.11a and 802.11b utilize different frequencies, the
two technologies are incompatible with each other. Some
vendors offer hybrid 802.11a/b network gear, but these
products merely implement the two standards side by side
(each connected devices must use one or the other).
Use this chart below to get some quick information to help you
differentiate between the available wireless networking
standards.
Standard
Data
Rate
Modulation
Scheme
Security
Pros/Cons &
More Info
IEEE802.11
Up to
2
Mbps
in the
2.4
GHz
band
FHSS
or
DSSS
WEP &
WPA
This specification
has
been
extended
to
802.11b.
IEEE
802.11a
(Wi-Fi)
Up to
54
Mbps
in the
5
GHz
OFDM
WEP &
WPA
Products
that
adhere
to
this
standard
are
considered "Wi-Fi
Certified."
Eight
available
