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Computer Networks
Comparison of Wireless LAN protocols
IEEE 802.11 is divided primarily into three sub-standards, viz. 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The following table distinguishes the differences and similarities between these standards and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is an alternative wireless network technology that followed a different development path than the 802.11 family of standards.
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| 802.11a | 802.11b | 802.11g | Bluetooth | |
| Data Rate (Mbps) | 54 | 11 | 54 | 721Kbps 56Kbps |
| Operating Frequency (GHz) | 5 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Typical power output (mw) | 40-800 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Compatibility | Not compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g | Not compatible with 802.11a or 802.11g | Compatible with 802.11b | Not compatible with 802.11a/b. |
| Range | 150feet | 150feet | 150feet | 30feet |
| Interference risk | Low | High | High | High |
| Price | Expensive | Cheap | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hot-spot access | Poor | Good | Good | Poor |
Though 802.11a and 802.11b standards have been developed around the same time, 802.11b has become very popular due affordability of the hardware for small business and home networking. However, considering any future expansion, it is desirable to buy equipment that is capable of operating in duel modes (802.11 a/b).
Bluetooth supports a very short range (approximately 10 meters) and relatively low bandwidth (1 Mbps). In practice, Bluetooth networks PDAs or cell phones with PCs but not used widely for general-purpose Wireless LAN networking. The very low manufacturing cost of Bluetooth makes it a viable solution for wireless devices like PDAs and Cell phones. Note that the 801.11 and Bluetooth standards are incompatible with each other.
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