Wireless Standards
Wireless-B (802.11b)
Operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band and can transmit data at speeds of up to 11Mbps within a range of up to 100-150 feet. Wireless range can be affected by reflective or signal-blocking obstacles, such as mirrors, walls, devices and location, whether indoors or outdoors.
Wireless-A (802.11a)
Operates at the frequency of 5GHz, which is less crowded than 2.4GHz where telephones and microwaves may cause interference. Although the speed is up to 54Mbps, the range is only up to 75 feet. Wireless-A is incompatible with both Wireless-B and G because it operates at a different frequency.
Wireless-A+G (802.11a + g)
Linksys also offers dual-band products, in which routers and adapters are compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Both radio bands work simultaneously, blanketing your wireless zone and bandwidth.
Wireless-G (802.11g)
Features the same benefits as Wireless-B, but offers 5X the speed at up to 54Mbps. Wireless-G currently offers the best combination of performance and value. You can mix Wireless-B with Wireless-G equipment, but you will lose the higher performance speeds of Wireless-G.
Wireless-N (802.11n)
The next generation of high-speed wireless networking, capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today's most bandwidth-hungry applications like streaming high definition video, voice, and music. Wireless-N is based on MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, which uses multiple radios to transmit multiple streams of data over multiple channels.
The chart below outlines the differences and features for each wireless standard, along with the activities that are best suited for each one.
| Wireless Standard | Wireless B | Wireless G (802.11 G) | Wireless G w/Speedbooster | Wireless A/G | Wireless N |
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N/A | Up to 5 Times Faster Than Wireless B | 35% Faster than Wireless G | Uncrowded 5GHz Band | Up to 12X Faster than Wireless G. Range up to 4X farther |
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2.4Ghz | 2.4Ghz | 2.4Ghz | 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz | 2.4Ghz |
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Typically Up To 150ft | Up to 150 ft | Up to 150 ft | Up to 150 ft (Wireless G) Up to 150 ft (Wireless G) | Up to 4X farther than Wireless G |
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More Popular Standards for hotspots | Yes | Yes | Yes in a Wireless-G Mode Growing use in Wireless-A | Yes |
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802.11b & 802.11g | 802.11b & 802.11g | 802.11b & 802.11g | 802.11a, 802.11b & 802.11g | 802.11b & 802.11g Based on MiMo Technology |
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Legacy Standard | Fast Speed | Faster Speed | Fast Speed with less interferance from other Wireless LANs. Works with all wireless standards | Streams High Definition Video |
| Ideal For | Wireless B | Wireless G (802.11 G) | Wireless G w/Speedbooster | Wireless A/G | Wireless N |
| Sharing A High Speed Internet Connection |  |
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| Basic File And Print Sharing | |
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| Transmitting Audio Files | |
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| Transmitting Still Pictures | |
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| Multi-Player Gaming over the Internet | |
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| Internet Phone Calls (VoIP) | With quality service |
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| Transmitting Video Files or Streaming Video | With quality service |
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| Multiple Users with Heavy Internet Usage or File Sharing | |
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| Multi-Player Gaming over the Wireless LAN | |
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| Congested Wireless Enviornments(Dense Housing multiple wireless networks or interfering 2.4Ghz devices) | |
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| Larger homes & offices | |
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| Heavy business use with multiple users | |
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| Streaming High Definition Video | |