248
Specifications

Wireless Communication Range

The range of the wireless signal is related to the composition of objects in the radio wave path, and the transmit rate of

the wireless communication. Communications at a lower transmit range may travel longer distances.

NOTE

The range values listed in the Communications Range Chart are typical distances as measured at the

development laboratories. These values provide a rule of thumb and may vary according to the actual radio

conditions at the location where the product is used.

The range of your wireless devices can be affected when the antennas are placed near metal surfaces and solid

high-density materials. Ranges for outdoor antenna installations are related to type of outdoor antennas used, and

length of antenna cables. Range is also impacted due to “obstacles” in the signal path of the radio that may either

absorb or reflect the radio signal.

In Open Office environments, antennas can “see” each other (no physical obstructions between them). In Semi-open

Office environments, workspace is divided by shoulder-height, hollow wall elements; antennas are at desktop level. In

a Closed Office environment, solid walls and other obstructions may affect signal strength.

The following tables show typical range values for various environments.

Table E-3 802.11b Wireless communication ranges

Table E-4 802.11a Wireless communication ranges

Range 11 Mbps 5.5 Mbps 2 Mbps 1 Mbps
Open Office 160 m
(525 ft.)
270 m
(885 ft.)
400 m
(1300 ft.)
550 m
(1750 ft.)
Semi-Open Office 50 m
(165 ft.)
70 m
(230 ft.)
90 m
(300 ft.)
115 m
(375 ft.)
Closed Office 25 m
(80 ft.)
35 m
(115 ft.)
40 m
(130 ft.)
50 m
(165 ft.)
Receiver Sensitivity -82 dBm -87 dBm -91 dBm -94 dBm
Delay Spread
(at FER of <1%)
65 ns 225 ns 400 ns 500 ns
Range 54 Mbps 48 Mbps 36 Mbps 24 Mbps 18 Mbps 12 Mbps 9 Mbps 6 Mbps
Open Office 19 m
(62 ft.)
35 m
(115 ft.)
74 m
(243 ft.)
112 m
(367 ft.)
153 m
(502 ft.)
189 m
(620 ft.)
232 m
(761 ft.)
258 m
(846 ft.)
Semi-Open Office 17 m
(56 ft.)
29 m
(95 ft.)
34 m
(111 ft.)
49 m
(161 ft.)
63 m
(206 ft.)
76 m
(249 ft.)
90 m
(295 ft.)
99 m
(325 ft.)
Closed Office 15 m
(49 ft.)
24 m
(79 ft.)
27 m
(88 ft.)
36 m
(118 ft.)
45 m
(147 ft.)
52 m
(170 ft.)
60 m
(197 ft.)
64 m
(210 ft.)
Receiver Sensitivity -65 dBm -69 dBm -73 dBm -77 dBm -80 dBm -82 dBm -84 dBm -85 dBm