Wireless Networking Protocols

Wireless Networking Protocols
On the Internet, the set of communications protocols used is called TCP/IP. TCP/IP is actually a collection of various protocols that each have their own special function or purpose. These protocols have been established by international standards bodies and are used in almost all platforms and around the globe to ensure that all devices on the Internet can communicate successfully.

802.11b Protocol

There are a variety of protocols currently in use for wireless networking. Arguably, the most prevalent is 802.11b. Equipment using 802.11b is comparatively inexpensive. The 802.11b wireless communication standard operates in the unregulated 2.4 GHz frequency range. Unfortunately, so do many other devices such as cordless phones and baby monitors which can interfere with your wireless network traffic. The maximum speed for 802.11b communications is 11 Mbps.

802.11g Protocol

The newer 802.11g standard improves on 802.11b. It still uses the same crowded 2.4 GHz shared by other common household wireless devices, but 802.11g is capable of transmission speeds up to 54 Mbps. Equipment designed for 802.11g will still communicate with 802.11b equipment, however mixing the two standards is not generally recommended.

802.11a Protocol

The 802.11a standard is in a whole different frequency range. By broadcasting in the 5 GHz range 802.11a devices run into a lot less competition and interference from household devices. 802.11a is also capable of transmission speeds up to 54 Mbps like the 802.11g standard, however, 802.11 hardware is significantly more expensive