Lexicon

2.4 GHz

Your microwave and cordless phone probably also run on the 2.4ghz radio spectrum. When it comes to ethernet, we have two major protocols, 802.11b and 802.11g. The maximum throughput is dependent upon signal strength. Signal strength is dependent upon distance between the radios, how much power is being transmitted, and the sensitivity of the receiver, this makes sense.

802.11b

This was the first agreed upon standard for wireless networking. It operated at a theoretical max speed of 11mbs. This was surely fast enough for internet sharing, but really couldn’t keep up with high resolution multimedia streams. One advantage of 802.11b is that it enjoys the greatest compatibility. Chances are your local library or university has 802.11b networks setup. The local hotspots in your coffee shop or fast food restaurants are also broadcasting 802.11b.

802.11g

This is an update to the 802.11b protocol with a maximum bitrate of 54mbs. It similarly operates on a 2.4ghz frequency. The biggest selling point of 802.11g is that it is backwards compatible with 802.11b. This means that your 802.11g PC card will be able to connect to 802.11b networks and friends with 802.11b cards can log onto your 802.11g router.

Bluetooth

Conceived by Ericsson, Bluetooth is designed more for communications among peripherals rather than between computers. It too runs off 2.4 GHz and has a lower max bandwidth than 802.11. Bluetooth devices have very limited range but are also low powered. You can find these devices in cell phones, car radios, as well as wireless keyboards and mice.

5.8GHz bandwidth

802.11a is probably the most well known occupant of the 5.8 GHz bandwidth although some cordless phones are now using this frequency. The advantage of 5.8 GHz is that there is less interference from normal household appliances. The disadvantage is that 5.8 GHz signals don’t penetrate walls as well and thus have a shorter effective range.

Next Generation: WiMAX

The next standard on the way is call WiMAX or 802.16. The standards are still being worked out, but it looks like it will be faster and better than what is on the market today. All the big names in networking and computing have added their logos to this new technology. Sounds like progress.