WiFi Standards 802.11a/b/g/n vs. 802.11ac: Which is Best?

Many of our customers come to us for guidance on which WiFi standard would be best for their specific product development needs. In this article, we look at the evolution of wireless standards, as well as the pros and cons of each.

802.11

In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the first WLAN standard. They called it 802.11 after the name of the group formed to oversee its development. Unfortunately, 802.11 only supported a maximum network bandwidth 2 Mbps, too slow for most applications.

802.11b

IEEE expanded on the original 802.11 standard in July 1999, creating the 802.11b specification. 802.11b supports bandwidth up to 11 Mbps, comparable to traditional Ethernet.

802.11b uses the same unregulated radio signaling frequency (2.4 GHz) as the original 802.11 standard. Vendors often prefer using these frequencies to lower their production costs. Being unregulated, 802.11b devices can have interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other appliances using the same 2.4 GHz range. However, by installing 802.11b devices an adequate distance from other appliances, interference can easily be avoided.

• Pros of 802.11b - lowest cost; signal range is good and not easily obstructed
  
  
• Cons of 802.11b - slowest maximum speed; home appliances may interfere on the unregulated frequency band

802.11a

While 802.11b was in development, IEEE created a second extension to the original 802.11 standard called 802.11a. Because 802.11b gained in popularity much faster than did 802.11a, some folks believe that 802.11a was created after 802.11b. In fact, 802.11a was created at the same time. Due to its higher cost, 802.11a is usually found on business networks whereas 802.11b better serves the home market.

802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated frequency spectrum around 5 GHz. This higher frequency compared to 802.11b shortens the range of 802.11a networks. An 802.11a access point transmitter may cover less than one-fourth the area of a comparable 802.11b/g unit. The higher frequency also means 802.11a signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions.

Because 802.11a and 802.11b utilize different frequencies, the two technologies are incompatible with each other. Some vendors offer hybrid 802.11a/b network gear, but these products merely implement the two standards side by side, as the connected devices must use either one or the other.

• Pros of 802.11a - fast maximum speed; regulated frequencies prevent signal interference from other devices
  
  
• Cons of 802.11a - highest cost; shorter range signal that is more easily obstructed

802.11g

In 2002 and 2003, WLAN products supporting a newer standard called 802.11g emerged on the market. 802.11g attempts to combine the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11g supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4 GHz frequency for greater range. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.

• Pros of 802.11g - fast maximum speed; signal range is good and not easily obstructed
  
  
• Cons of 802.11g - costs more than 802.11b; appliances may interfere on the unregulated signal frequency

802.11n

802.11n (also sometimes known as "Wireless N") was designed to improve on 802.11g in the amount of bandwidth supported by utilizing multiple wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one. Industry standards groups ratified 802.11n in 2009 with specifications providing for up to 300 Mbps of network bandwidth. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi standards due to its increased signal intensity, and it is backward-compatible with 802.11b/g gear.

• Pros of 802.11n - fastest maximum speed and best signal range; more resistant to signal interference from outside sources
  
  
• Cons of 802.11n - standard is not yet finalized; costs more than 802.11g; the use of multiple signals may greatly interfere with nearby 802.11b/g based networks

802.11ac

The newest generation of Wi-Fi signaling in popular use, 802.11ac utilizes dual band wireless technology, supporting simultaneous connections on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. 802.11ac offers backward compatibility to 802.11b/g/n and bandwidth rated up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band plus up to 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.

• Pros of 802.11ac – offers improved bandwidth and more flexibility through simultaneous connection support; backwards compatibility allows use of existing technologies
  
  
• Cons of 802.11ac –dual bands mean increased cost; still prone to interference on the 2.4GHz frequency

Still wondering which standard is best for your application? Call Symmetry at (310) 536-6190, or contact us online.