In June of 1997, the IEEE Standards Board approved its first Wireless LAN standard, IEEE 802.11, for peer to peer and for client/server networks. This standard is equivalent to a wireless implementation of the Ethernet standard.
This standard deals strictly with specifications for how the Physical Layer and the MAC sublayer of the Data Link Layer handle data entering and exiting a node by way of a wireless medium. The IEEE 802.11 standard enables manufacturers of wireless LAN equipment to build fully compatible and interoperable network equipment.
IEEE 802.11 specifications are designed for wireless technologies that include both infrared and spread spectrum (radio frequency) technologies. Radio, however, is the most popular method of transmission for local networks.
Some 802.11 Specifications
- 802.11: Original standard using the 2.4 GHz band became obsolete with the emergence of 802.11b
- 802.11a: Capable of up to 54MBps using the 5GHz band has more channels than 802.11b, allowing for better handling of interference. On the downside, its smaller wavelength makes it more difficult to go through thick walls.
- 802.11b: Capable of up to 11Mbps and also uses the 2.4Ghz band. It may encounter interference with other devices (ex. Wireless keyboards) that use the 2.4 Ghz band.
- 802.11g: Capable of 802.11a speeds but is compatible with both 802.11a and 802.11b. It also may encounter interference with other devices using the 2.4 Ghz band.
- 802.11n: Offers a significant upgrade in wireless networking. The main improvement comes from using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas. This offers greater performance and range than previous wireless standards, as MIMO can process up to five times the data at twice the range.
