Belkin F5D6051 What’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a?, Wireless Comparison

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Troubleshooting

What’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a?

Currently there are three 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. 802.11b transmits information at 11Mbps; 802.11a and 802.11g work at 54Mbps. See the following chart for more detailed information.

Wireless Comparison

Wireless

802.11b

802.11g

802.11a

Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speed

11Mbps

54Mbps

54Mbps

 

 

 

 

 

2.4GHz —

2.4GHz -

 

 

unlicensed band,

 

 

unlicensed band,

 

 

may interfere

 

 

may interfere with

 

 

with common

5GHz - uncrowded

Frequency

common household

household devices:

band

 

cordless phones

devices: cordless

 

 

phones and

 

 

and microwave

 

 

microwave ovens

 

 

ovens

 

 

 

 

 

Compatible with

Compatible with

Incompatible with

Compatibility

802.11b or

802.11g

802.11b

 

802.11g

 

 

 

 

Depends on

Depends on

Less interference

 

interference —

interference —

Range

— range is

typically 100–200

typically 100–200

 

typically 50–100 ft.

 

ft. indoors

ft. indoors

 

 

 

 

Expected to

Slow adoption for

 

Mature — widely

consumers — more

Adoption

continue to grow in

adopted

popular in business

 

popularity

 

 

environments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price

Inexpensive

More expensive

Most expensive

 

 

 

 

You can find technical support information at www.belkin.com or www.belkin.com/networking. If you want to contact technical support by phone, please call:

US: 877-736-5771 310-898-1100 x2263

Europe: 00 800 223 55 460 Australia: 1800 666 040

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Contents Wireless B USB Network Adapter Table of Contents Introduction Important Factors for Placement and Setup Placement of your Wireless Networking HardwareCordless phones Choose the quietest channel for your wireless networkAvoid obstacles and possible sources of interference Secure connections, VPNs, and AOL Applications and Advantages Product FeaturesProduct Overview System Requirements Product SpecificationsPackage Contents Desktop Stand Knowing Your Wireless B USB Network AdapterLink LED Green USB CableYou can install your Adapter in three easy steps Software and Driver InstallationInstalling The Adapter Let Windows Finish the Installation Plug the Adapter into your ComputerSection Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility Opening the Wireless Network Monitor UtilitySection Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility Signal Strength Using the Belkin Utility Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XPUpdate Button Navigation ButtonsConnecting to a Wireless Network Advanced Button Using the Quick Connect ScreenNetwork Name Ssid Connecting to a Network Using the Quick Connect Screen Using the Profiles Manager View Creating and Using a ProfileUsing the Belkin Wireless Network Utility Prioritizing your Profiles Power Save ModeDefault Ad-Hoc Channel Advanced OptionsShowing the Icon in System Tray Using Power Save ModeSetting the Default Ad-Hoc Channel Turning the Radio OffEncryption Methods Securing your Wireless NetworkSecuring your Wi-Fi Network Bit WEP WEP Wired Equivalent PrivacyEncryption Keys C3030FAF0F4BB2C3D44BC3D4E7 = 128-bit WEP key Wrong Password Changing the Wireless Security Settings WEP Setup Bit WEP EncryptionSecuring your Wireless Network Troubleshooting Can’t connect to the Internet wirelesslyName of your wireless network appears in Available Networks Installation CD-ROM does not start Setup Utility Power LED does not come on Adapter is not workingLink LED is solid but cannot connect to the Internet Data transfer is sometimes slowSignal strength is poor Troubleshooting Europe 00 800 223 55 460 Australia 1800 666 Wireless ComparisonWhat’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a? Belkin Corporation Limited Lifetime Product Warranty InformationFCC Statement Federal Communications Commission NoticeModifications Belkin Tech Support