Wireless Technology Comparison Chart
 
Wireless Standard  

802.11b

  

802.11a

  

802.11g

  

802.11n
Popularity   +++ Widely adopted, readily available everywhere   + Limited adoption   ++ Limited adoption, but rapid growth expected   + Limited adoption, many products already available based on a draft specification
Speed
(theoretical)		   11Mbps Up to 11Mbps   54Mbps Up to 54Mbps   54Mbps Up to 54Mbps   300Mbps Up to 300Mbps
Relative Cost   $ Inexpensive.   $$$ Expensive   $$ Moderate   $$$ Expensive
Frequency   2.4Ghz Crowded 2.4GHz band, may conflict with other 2.4GHz devices like cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc.   5Ghz 5GHz band   2.4Ghz Crowded 2.4GHz band, may conflict with other 2.4GHz devices like cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc   5Ghz and/or
2.4Ghz		 Shares frequency space with many other devices on the market today, only DECT 6.0 (1.9Ghz) phones are in the clear
Range   100-
150ft		 Good Range, typically up to 100-150 feet indoors, depending on construction, building materials, room layout   25-
75ft		 Limited range, typically no more than 25 to 75 feet indoors   100-
150ft		 Good Range, typically up to 100-150 feet indoors, depending on construction, building materials, room layout   ~230ft Promises great range, but varies depending on indoor objects and nearby devices using the same frequency
Public Access   +++ Public "Hot Spots" growing rapidly, allowing WiFi access in airports, hotels, college campuses, restaurants, etc.   X None at this time   ++ Compatible with current 802.11b "Hot Spots" which may convert to 802.11g, realize ISP may not be providing access anywhere near 54Mbps   X None at this time
Compatibility   OK
802.11b		 Widest adoption   OK
802.11a		 Incompatible with 802.11b or 802.11g   OK
802.11b
802.11g		 Interoperates with 802.11b networks (at 11Mbps) incompatible with 802.11a unless supported by certain dual-radio APs   OK
802.11b
802.11g
802.11a		 Interoperates with b/g/a, small performance hit when mixed-mode is enabled and legacy devices are associated



   DNS Redirector - Multiple uses as an Internet filter, redirect to a welcome/splash page,
            an emergency notice, or block access after-hours. Protecting networks since 2003.