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802.11b Last modified: Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Also referred to as 802.11 High Rate or Wi-Fi, it is an extension to 802.11 specification developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN (WLAN) technology that applies to wireless LANS and provides 11 Mbps transmission (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band. 802.11b uses only DSSS. 802.11b was a 1999 ratification to the original 802.11 standard, allowing wireless functionality comparable to Ethernet. See 802.11 for a complete overview of the 802.11x family of specifications. Also see the "Wireless LAN Standards chart" in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia. See also "How Wireless Networks Work" in the Did You Know... section of Webopedia.

IEEE home page The IEEE home page offers information on the organization, member services, publications, technical societies, and student activities. 802.11 Alphabet Soup What do all those letters mean? 802.11a: An Excellent Long Term Solution Since the debut of 802.11a products in 2001, network managers have been struggling with whether to install 802.11b or 802.11a. Here's why you should strongly consider the use of 802.11a for your next wireless LAN deployment. Did You Know... How Wireless Networks Work A wireless network or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) serves the same purpose as a wired one . to link a group of computers. Because "wireless" doesn't require costly wiring, the main benefit is that it's generally easier, faster and cheaper to set up. IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee The IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee develops Local Area Network standards and Metropolitan Area Network standards. Minimizing 802.11 Interference Issues RF interference will continue to plague current and future 802.11b implementations unless an adequate site survey is conducted - preferably prior to actual network installation. Minimizing WLAN Security Threats Most wireless LANs do not invoke adequate security measures to guard against attacks. Learn what security threats exist for wireless LANs as the basis for deploying effective security measures. Sizing Up Your WLAN This tutorial tells you what you need to know about what you need to have - in terms of APs - for your WLAN to actually work. The BIG Question: 802.11a or 802.11b? Both 802.11b and 802.11a have distinct merits and appropriate applications. A WLAN expert shows how to make the best decision for particular needs. Webopedia's "Did You Know...?" Section Use this Webopedia knowledge section for an in-depth overview of specific technologies and occurrences in the areas of Computer Science, The Internet, and Computer Hardware and Software. Webopedia's Quick Reference Section Use this Webopedia reference section for information on common Internet and computer facts and occurrences. Wi-Fi Alliance A resource page for Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi Planet 802.11 news, commentary and information. Wi-FiHotSpotList.com Search this directory for Wi-Fi hotspots in your region.