Question

Briefly compare the following standards: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.

Answer 1

Solution:

802.11 is WLAN(Wireless Local Area Network) standard created by IEEE(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). 802.11 is nothing but set of LAN protocols for implementing Wi-Fi(Wireless Fidelity) computer communication using various frequencies.

• 802.11a : 1) 802.11a is usually used on buisness networks. 2) 802.11a supports bandwidth upto 54 Mbps and 5GHz signals in a regulated frequency spectrum. 3) 802.11a signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions. 4) 802.11a incompatible with 802.11b. 5) Pros of 802.11a : fast Maximum speed. Cons of 802.11a : Highest cost.   
• 802.11b : 1) 802.11b supports bandwidth upto 11 Mbps, comparable to traditional Ethernet. 2) 802.11b uses unregulated radio signaling frequency 2.4 GHz. 3)  Installing 802.11b devices an adequate distance from other appliances, interference can easily be avoided. 4)802.11b incompatible with 802.11a. 5) Pros of 802.11a : Lowest Cost. Cons of 802.11a : Slowest maximum speed.
• 802.11g : 1) Combination of both 802.11a and 802.11b. 2) 802.11g supports bandwidth upto 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4 GHz frequency. 3) 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b. 4) Pros of 802.11a : Fast maximum speed. Cons of 802.11a : Costs more than 802.11b.