A Word about Standards: IEEE 802
All different types of wired and wireless networks are defined by and must comply with sets of standards established and maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE is a non-profit organization that is the source for technical and professional information regarding all electrical or related systems. The Standards Association arm of the IEEE sets professional standards for a wide variety of fields such as aerospace systems, computing, and telecommunications. The IEEE 802 standards apply to all areas of computer networking and several 802 Working Groups establish the parameters and characteristics for wireless networking technology.
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Find out more about the IEEE Standards Association at the following link:
http://standards.ieee.org/index.html
To learn about the IEEE 802 Project, click the link below: http://www.ieee802.org/ |
Although an understanding of the 802 standards isn't absolutely necessary in order to successfully create and use a wireless network infrastructure, often different wireless technologies are referred to by their 802 project designations. For example, the original wireless LAN standard is called 802.11. When you go to your favorite electronics store shopping for a wireless card for your laptop, you'll be presented with a choice of getting an 802.11b or 802.11g card.
| Type | Specification | Speed | Frequency | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original WLAN Specification | 802.11 | 1 to 2 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | 802.11b and 802.11g |
| WLAN/WWAN Specification | 802.11a | 54 Mbps | 5 GHz | None |
| WLAN Specification | 802.11b | 11 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | 802.11g |
| WLAN Specification | 802.11g | 54 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | 802.11b |
| WPAN Specification | 802.15 | 721 Kbps -10 Mbps | 2.4 GHz | None |
| WMAN Specification | 802.16 | 70 Mbps | 10-66 GHz | None |
The original 802.11 specification is also the foundation for the 802.11 "family" of wireless network types. Generically, 802.11 is known as Wi-Fi or wireless fidelity. Any wireless equipment branded "Wi-Fi" by the Wi-Fi Alliance is considered interoperable with any other Wi-Fi branded hardware.