Re: Difference in wireless network
No, 802.11a is not out dated or obsolete. See below about dual-band. In fact, 11b was released before 11a was. 802.11b is fading fast, soon to be obsolete, hence the need for 11g to be backward compatible on the same frequency.<br /><br />11a works on 5mhz freq, rated throughput of 22mbps, actual throughput of 54mbps, is more robust than either b or g, but has a shorter coverage area (100-ft range). It is ideal for business environments where more users are accessing shared wi-fi resources within a smaller physical area. Disadvantage for laptops is 11a has the greatest power drain of the three. However, many computers have wi-fi power management that will allow the user to reduce the broadcast power, or will auto-sense the lowest power needed. It is the most expensive of the 802.11x wi-fi.<br /><br />11b works on 2.4mhz, throughput of 5mbps, actual throughput closer to 11mbps, is more susceptible to interference from cordless telephones, other blue tooth devices, microwave ovens, electric toothbrushes, baby monitors, and a sundry of other electronics working on the same frequency, including other wi-fi networks since 11b is the most popular. Has greater coverage area (150-ft range) than 11a, with moderate power drain. Overall, lowest cost of the 802.11x wi-fi.<br /><br />11g also works on 2.4mhz, but has a rated throughput closer to that of 11a, 20mbps, actual throughput of 54mbps. It suffers from the same potential interference problems that 11b has. Range is the same as 11b, 150-ft, but the power drain is lowest of the three.<br /><br />Since 11b and 11g both work on the same frequency, 2.4ghz, a single antenna will work for both. As was already mentioned, 11g wi-fi is backward compatible with 11b in computers. 802.11a/g access points use two antennas, one for 2.4ghz for the 11b and g bands, and one for the 5ghz 11a band.<br /><br />You can transmit quality audio and video over 11a or 11g, but not 11b due to bandwidth limits.<br /><br />You probably cant tell, but I just did the research and took the wi-fi plunge. I ended up with a Netgear WAG302. It is 802.11a/b/g, has two antennas, and loaded with security features, something I placed a high value on. I bought it from provantage.com for $280, bundled with a free Netgear WG511 (54mbps) 11g card. If I had it to do all over again, I would buy the same unit. It has the potential for dual-band wi-fi, something that is being marketed but the spec for it has not yet been solidified. Dual-band is wi-fi that uses both 802.11a and g simultaneously for a throughput rate of 108mbps. For dual-band you need a computer and/or card rated for dual-band wi-fi. I wont invest in a card until the spec is certified; my laptop is also built with internal 802.11a/b/g.<br /><br />There is definitely a diff in my area between A and B/G. I use A most of the time because it has consistently higher bandwidth except when I am sitting next to the WAG302, then G is also up there. The further you are away from the access point, the more bandwidth drops off. B and G drop off faster than A, but they make it thru my steel garage door where A is blocked altogether. With the garage door up, A has greater bandwidth than B/G. All in all, except for the steel garage door, A kicks butt over B and/or G. Note: to get to the steel garage door about 70-ft away, the wi-fi signal is passing thru 7 internal lath and plaster walls and two external stucco walls. With the door up, A works at the full 54mbps, G works at a reduced 42mbps.<br /><br />Note: if you go with B/G, it is important to keep all cordless phones and cordless phone receivers out from between your computer and the wi-fi access point. Doesnt matter with A.
