Dan Camarda asked:
When you are learning wireless networking, there are some basics to know. There are several wireless networking protocols available and not all devices are able to support each of them.
The wireless protocols you want or need to use will both affect, and be affected by, the wireless network hardware you have. We will assume that the TCP/IP network protocol will be used here along with a wireless local area network protocol.
802.11a
This is an older wireless networking technology which is not commonly found in use today. Operates in the 5 Ghz frequency range, at up to 54 Mbps, with an approximately 50 foot range.
802.11b
This protocol is still found in use today and can offer needed support to some older devices. Operates in the 2.4 Ghz frequency range, at up to 11 Mbps, with an approximately 150 foot range.
802.11g
An updated wireless network protocol with enhanced speed it operates in the 2.4 Ghz frequency range, at up to 54 Mbps, with an approximately 150 foot range.
802.11n
The latest edition to the selection, this technology is not yet wide spread. Able to operate in either the 5 Ghz and/or 2.4 Ghz frequency range, at up to or exceeding 50 Mbps, with an approximately 600 foot range. An ideal implementation of this wireless network protocol can achieve the fastest speeds of all the protocols.
Speeds and ranges listed are under optimal conditions.
The 2.4 Ghz radio frequency range is arguably more crowded than the 5 GHz range, although it is typically easier to transmit at greater ranges using 2.4 Ghz. Another factor is that the less utilized 5 Ghz range usually encounters greater challenge when interacting with solid objects which can reduce effective range.
A common source of competition in the 2.4 Ghz range will include various baby monitors, cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens. Bluetooth devices are a pretty common companion to the cell phone, such as wireless headsets. When two or more devices communicate on the same frequency they will often interfere with one another. When this happens, communication difficulty will result.
It would be to your benefit to avoid radio communication interference whenever possible. Depending on your environment there may be one or more factors to contend with where interference is concerned. Also consider who your neighbors may be and what electronics they may be using.
Wireless networking equipment can offer a variety of features. Some devices will support multiple protocols and radio frequencies. There are also encryption, authentication, port forwarding, port triggering, QoS features and other configuration settings that may be deciding factors.
Any devices to be connected to your wireless network will need to support the protocols your wireless network is using. Be sure to check documentation for all devices you wish to connect to a wireless network, or consult a professional for assistance.
When you are learning wireless networking, there are some basics to know. There are several wireless networking protocols available and not all devices are able to support each of them.
The wireless protocols you want or need to use will both affect, and be affected by, the wireless network hardware you have. We will assume that the TCP/IP network protocol will be used here along with a wireless local area network protocol.
802.11a
This is an older wireless networking technology which is not commonly found in use today. Operates in the 5 Ghz frequency range, at up to 54 Mbps, with an approximately 50 foot range.
802.11b
This protocol is still found in use today and can offer needed support to some older devices. Operates in the 2.4 Ghz frequency range, at up to 11 Mbps, with an approximately 150 foot range.
802.11g
An updated wireless network protocol with enhanced speed it operates in the 2.4 Ghz frequency range, at up to 54 Mbps, with an approximately 150 foot range.
802.11n
The latest edition to the selection, this technology is not yet wide spread. Able to operate in either the 5 Ghz and/or 2.4 Ghz frequency range, at up to or exceeding 50 Mbps, with an approximately 600 foot range. An ideal implementation of this wireless network protocol can achieve the fastest speeds of all the protocols.
Speeds and ranges listed are under optimal conditions.
The 2.4 Ghz radio frequency range is arguably more crowded than the 5 GHz range, although it is typically easier to transmit at greater ranges using 2.4 Ghz. Another factor is that the less utilized 5 Ghz range usually encounters greater challenge when interacting with solid objects which can reduce effective range.
A common source of competition in the 2.4 Ghz range will include various baby monitors, cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens. Bluetooth devices are a pretty common companion to the cell phone, such as wireless headsets. When two or more devices communicate on the same frequency they will often interfere with one another. When this happens, communication difficulty will result.
It would be to your benefit to avoid radio communication interference whenever possible. Depending on your environment there may be one or more factors to contend with where interference is concerned. Also consider who your neighbors may be and what electronics they may be using.
Wireless networking equipment can offer a variety of features. Some devices will support multiple protocols and radio frequencies. There are also encryption, authentication, port forwarding, port triggering, QoS features and other configuration settings that may be deciding factors.
Any devices to be connected to your wireless network will need to support the protocols your wireless network is using. Be sure to check documentation for all devices you wish to connect to a wireless network, or consult a professional for assistance.
