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802.11 Standards Comparison: a, b, g, and n

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This page compares the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n wireless networking standards, highlighting their key differences.

Key Differences Between 802.11 Standards

Here’s a breakdown of each standard:

802.11a

  • Modulation Scheme: OFDM
  • Data Rate: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
  • RF Carrier: 5 GHz
  • Bandwidth: 20 MHz
  • Distance Covered (Approx.): 35m (indoor), 120m (outdoor)

802.11b

  • Modulation Scheme: DSSS/CCK
  • Data Rate: 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps
  • RF Carrier: 2.4 GHz
  • Distance Covered (Approx.): 38m (indoor), 140m (outdoor)

802.11g

  • Modulation Scheme: DSSS/CCK and OFDM
  • Data Rate: Supports data rates of both 802.11b and 802.11a
  • RF Carrier: 2.4 GHz
  • Bandwidth: 20 MHz
  • Distance Covered (Approx.): 38m (indoor), 140m (outdoor)

802.11n

  • Modulation Scheme: OFDM and DSSS/CCK. Supports legacy fallbacks of 11a/11b/11g systems.
  • Bandwidth: 20MHz and 40MHz
  • Data Rate:
    • As per 11a/11b/11g.
    • Up to about 72 Mbps for 20MHz bandwidth with multiple antennas.
    • Up to about 150 Mbps for 40MHz bandwidth with multiple antennas.
  • Distance Covered (Approx.): 70m (indoor), 250m (outdoor)
  • MIMO Configuration: Most devices use 2T3R (2 antennas in transmit and 3 antennas in receive). Maximum configuration goes up to 4T4R.