What Are The Different Types Of Wireless Networks Available?

There are four basic types of wireless networking protocols, or standards.  These are all labeled 802.11, and then identified individually by the letters A, B, G, and N.  The number preface was coined by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) panel designated to set the standard for wireless communication, and is simply based on the name of the group, hence, the standards it proposed for the 5Ghz-2.4Ghz band of the public radio frequency spectrum.  Subsequently, each of the identifying letters represents different bandwidths and standards used within that spectrum.

802.11a
The first set of standards for wireless communications, the 802.11g standard, operates in the 5Ghz range, and is less susceptible to interfence from appliances and cordless phones.  It also provides access to more simulataneous users, and allows a 54Mbps transfer rate, which is acceptable for most networking needs.  Devices using this technology have the shortest range of the 3 options, and can be blocked by walls, buildings, or other physical obstacles.  It is not compatible with the more common 802.11b standards.  This is the most expensive of the wireless options available.

802.11b
This is commonly accepted as the WiFi bandwidth, although the WiFi Alliance uses slightly different standards, which overlap the 802.11 standards.  Public Hotspots, such as those available at places such as Krystal/White Castle restuarants and Starbucks, generally operate on the “b” standards.  This provides near-area wireless capability, but is limited in the number of users a location can handle, and has a very short broadcast range.  It operates in the 2.4Ghz range, which allows for interfence from such devices as microwave ovens, and only provides 11Mbps transfer rates.  This is the least expensive wireless networking standard.

802.11g
Also operating in the 2.4Ghz range, the “g” standard allows more users than “b”, and provides the same available throughput (54Mbps) as the “a” technology standards.  While it has the same intference problems as 802.11b, it provides the best signal range of the the group, and is backwardly compatible with all 802.11b equipment, including routers and adapters.

802.11n
The latest arrival in the wireless standards group, 802.11n is designed as an improvement for the “g” standards.  It is compatiable with 802.11g equipment.  Offerings transfer rates as high as 100Mbps, this is the fastest of the current;y available options.  Signal dependability is improved as well, through the use of MIMO (Multiple Input / Multiple Output) strategies, where more than one broadcast unit / Input receiver is used in tandem.  One drawback of MIMO is that it allows for an increased risk of interfering with existing nearby “g” and “b” networks.  It is also to important that this standard is not expected to be finalized until November of 2008, so there is a good possibility that it will change somewhat.

Article written by MyComputerAid.com