27th September 2001

Most wireless networks in use today are of the 802.11b variety. The cryptic number refers to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) specification that governs it and all other networking communication protocols. Networks based on 802.11b run at up to 11Mbps (22Mbps is in the works) and operate at 2.4GHz, using a spread spectrum modulation. The basics of the communication are very similar to regular Ethernet in format, which makes it very compatible with existing networked environments (and ideal for even home users). When looking for 802.11b equipment, keep an eye out for the Wireless Fidelity (Wi- Fi) logo, which ensures that it works with most other 802.11b stuff on the market.

Another standard in the family is slowly starting to come into use, carrying with it several improvements. To start with, the data rates possible with 802.11a are cranked up to 54Mbps using portions of the five to six gigahertz range of the radio spectrum. The communication format at the network level differs from that of 802.11b in that it's more similar to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) than to that of standard Ethernet. 802.11a also uses a different type of modulation than 802.11b, employing Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). This allows for higher bandwidth capabilities, and is better suited to dense office or home use because of how the signal interacts with objects such as walls and furniture.