66

Troubleshooting

What's the difference between 802.11g and draft 802.11n?

Currently there are three commonly used wireless networking standards, which transmit data at very different maximum speeds. Each is based on the designation for certifying network standards. The most common wireless networking standard, 802.11g, can transmit information up to 54 Mbps. 802.11a also supports up to 54 Mbps, but in the 5 GHz frequency. 802.11n draft specification can connect at up to 300 Mbps. See the following table for more detailed information.

Wireless

G

Enhanced G

N

N1 MIMO

(draft 802.11n

Technology

(802.11g)

(802.11g)

(draft 802.11n)

with MIMO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speed/data rate

Up to 54 Mbps*

Up to 54 Mbps*

Up to 300 Mbps*

Up to 300 Mbps*

 

 

 

 

 

Frequency

Common household

Common household

Common household

Common household

 

devices such as

devices such as

devices such as

devices such as

 

cordless phones and

cordless phones and

cordless phones and

cordless phones and

 

microwave ovens

microwave ovens

microwave ovens

microwave ovens

 

may interfere with

may interfere with

may interfere with

may interfere with

 

the unlicensed band

the unlicensed band

the unlicensed band

the unlicensed band

 

2.4 GHz

2.4 GHz

2.4 GHz

2.4 GHz

 

 

 

 

 

CompatibilityCompatible with

Compatible with

Compatible with

Compatible with

 

802.11b/g

802.11b/g

draft 802.11n** and

draft 802.11n** and

 

 

 

802.11b/g

802.11b/g

 

 

 

 

 

Coverage*Up to 400 feetUp to 1,000 feetUp to 1,200 feetUp to 1,400 feet

 

(121.9 m)*(304.8 m)*(365.8 m)*(426.7 m)*

 

 

 

 

 

AdvantageCommon—

Better coverage and

Enhanced speed and

Leading edge—best

 

widespread use for

consistent speed and

coveragecoverage and

 

Internet sharingrange

 

through put

 

 

 

 

 

*Distance and connection speeds will vary depending on your networking environment.

****This Router is compatible with products based on the same version of the draft 802.11n specifications and may require a software upgrade for best results.