Wireless Peformance
The maximum performance for wireless is derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual performance can vary, including lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range and coverage. Performance depends on many factors, conditions and variables, including distance from the access point, volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, operating system used, mix of wireless products used, interference and other adverse conditions
Learn more about network speeds.
Wireless-A (802.11a)
Operates at the frequency of 5 GHz, which is less crowded than 2.4 GHz where telephones and microwaves may cause interference. Although the speed is up to 54 Mbps, the range is only up to 75 feet. Wireless-A is incompatible with Wireless-B, -G and -N because it operates at a different frequency.
Wireless-G (802.11g)
Features the same benefits as Wireless-B, but offers up to five times the speed at up to 54 Mbps. You can mix Wireless-B with Wireless-G equipment, but you will lose the higher performance speeds of Wireless-G.
Wireless-N (802.11n)
The next generation of high-speed wireless networking, capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today's most bandwidth-hungry applications like streaming high definition video, voice, and music. Wireless-N is based on MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, which uses multiple radios to transmit multiple streams of data over multiple channels.
Dual Band
Dual-band routers work on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Some dual-band routers work on one band or the other but not both at the same time. Other dual band routers use both radio bands simultaneously, reducing interference and providing more bandwidth for media intensive applications like streaming video.
So what do I need to set up my network?
The chart below outlines the differences and features for each wireless standard, along with the activities that are best suited for each one.
