What's the Difference Between 802.11a vs. 802.11b?

[pcmodem]

Howdy,
What's the difference between these two wireless standards? The 802.11a NICs seem to support faster speeds than the 802.11b, which generally seem to all be at 11Mbps.

Thanks,
PCM

 

[Adul]

the frequency band used by 802.11a is not the same has the one used by 802.11b

 

[Windogg]

802.11a supports speeds upto 54mbps with propriatary burst speeds upto 72mbps. The two are not compatible since 802.11a operates on the 5ghz band while 802.11b operates on 2.4ghz.

They both share the same security hole in the form of predictable RC4 excryption keys.

Windogg

 

[bigboxes]

There is a increased security with 802.11a as fewer devices use the 5Ghz operating frequency as opposed to the 2.4Ghz operating frequency (cordless phones, etc.) of the 802.11b. 802.11a also has a shorter range (60ft. vs 300ft. for 802.11b).

For a detailed explanation check out this link. Hope this helps.

 

[pcmodem]

Thanks guys! That helps.

Looks like 802.11a is the newer technology, which is odd... would have expected that 802.11b was newer.
-PCM