Terminology » WLAN » 802.11 vs 802.16: Key Differences Explained

802.11 vs 802.16: Key Differences Explained

802.11 802.16 wlan wimax wireless lan

This article highlights the key differences between the 802.11 and 802.16 series of standards. IEEE 802.11 standards define Wireless LAN (WLAN) technologies, while 802.16 standards define WiMAX technologies.

Here’s a comparison table summarizing the core differences:

Specifications802.11802.16
TechnologyWireless LAN (WLAN)WiMAX
Standard Variants802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, etc.802.16a, 802.16d, 802.16e, 802.16m, etc.
Coverage Range30 to 100 meters7 Km to 50 Km
UsageIndoorOutdoor
Bandwidth20 MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz and 160 MHz (depending on the variant)Dynamic allocation, from 1.5 to 28 MHz (depending on user needs)
Data RateUp to 54 Mbps (802.11a), 300-600 Mbps (802.11n), Gbps (802.11ac/11ad)Up to 150 Mbps (depending on bandwidth usage)
QoSSupported in IEEE 802.11eDifferent QoS options available (UGS, rtPS, nrtPS, BE)
Frequency of Operation2.4 GHz, 5 GHz2.5, 3.5, 5.8 GHz
Tutorial Link

In summary:

  • 802.11 (Wi-Fi): Primarily designed for indoor, short-range wireless connectivity. Think of connecting your laptop to your home router.
  • 802.16 (WiMAX): Designed for outdoor, long-range wireless connectivity. It’s more akin to providing wireless internet access to a larger area, like a city or region.