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Wireless ethernet speed and frequency – Gateway M350 User Manual

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199

Using a wireless Ethernet network

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Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency

Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds and at two different
frequencies. The following table compares the various wireless Ethernet
network types.

The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point
and peer-to-peer.

Network Type

Speed

Frequency

Advantages

Disadvantages

IEEE 802.11a

54 Mbps

5 GHz

Less possible
interference than
IEEE 802.11b and
IEEE 802.11g

Shorter range (25 to
75 feet) than
IEEE 802.11b and
IEEE 802.11g

Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11b or
IEEE 802.11g
networks

IEEE 802.11b

11 Mbps

2.4 GHz

Large number of
access points already
exist in airports,
college campuses, and
businesses

Compatible with
IEEE 802.11g
networks

Longer range (100 to
150 feet) than
IEEE 802.11a

Possible interference
from cordless phones
and microwaves

Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11a
networks

IEEE 802.11g

54 Mbps

2.4 GHz

Compatible with
IEEE 802.11b
networks

Longer range (100 to
150 feet) than
IEEE 802.11a

Possible interference
from cordless phones
and microwaves

Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11a
networks

Important

The speed of a wireless network is related to signal
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance
between your wireless network devices, by radio
interference, and by interference from natural obstructions
such as walls, floors, and doors.