IEEE 802.11:
The IEEE 802.11 is a standard introduced by IEEE in June 1997 used for
wirelessEthernet networks. Below is a listing of each of the wireless IEEE
standards currently available. Home users should only be concerned about
802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g for their home wireless network.
Standard | Description |
IEEE 802.11 | The initial release of the standard capable of transmissions of 1 to 2 Mbps and operates in the 2.4 GHz band. |
IEEE 802.11a | Capable of transmissions of up to 54 Mbps and operates in the 5 GHz band. |
IEEE 802.11b | Introduced in 1999, 802.11b is capable of transmissions of up to 11 Mbps and operates in the 2.4 GHz band. |
IEEE 802.11c | Defines wireless bridge operations |
IEEE 802.11d | Defines standards for companies developing wireless products in different countries. |
IEEE 802.11e | Defines enhancements to the 802.11 MAC for QoS. |
IEEE 802.11f | Defines Inter Access Point Protocol (IAPP) |
IEEE 802.11g | Capable of transmissions of up to 20 Mbps and operates in the 2.4, 3.6, and 5 GHzbands. |
IEEE 802.11i | Improved encryption (WPA). |
IEEE 802.11j | 802.11 extension used in Japan. |
IEEE 802.11n | Operates using the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bandwidths. It utilizes multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas to improve data transfer speeds |