Understanding Wi-Fi Speeds

Wi-Fi speeds are designated by letter, not by number. 

802.11b

• The first version widely adopted by consumers.
• 802.11b devices operate at a maximum transmission of 11 Mbit/s 
• The speed is highly dependent on signal strength and quality.
• Device using 802.11b suffer from interference from baby monitors, bluetooth devices, cordless phone, and other 2.4GHz band devices.

802.11g

• The next major consumer upgrade.
• Maximum transmission boosted to 54Mbit/s (realistically about 22Mbit/s accounting for error correction and signal strength).
• 802.11g suffers from the same kind of 2.4GHz band interference that 802.11b does.

802.11b

• is a significant upgrade to the Wi-Fi standards
• Devices use multiple input and multiple output antennas (MIMO) to operate on both the 2.4GHz and relatively empty 5GHz bands.
• 802.11n has a theoretical maximum of 300Mbit/s but accounting for correction and less than ideal conditions you can expect speeds in 100-150 Mbit/s range

Like Ethernet, Wi-Fi speeds are limited by the weakest link in the direct network. If you have an 802.11n capable Wi-Fi router but your netbook only has an 802.11g capable Wi-Fi module you will max out at the 802.11g speeds. In addition to the speed limitations there is a very pressing reason for abandoning the oldest popular Wi-Fi protocol 802.11b. You must use the same level of encryption on every device in your network and the encryption shemes available to 802.11b device are weak and have been compromised (WEP encryption, for example, can be compromised in a matter of minutes by a moderately skilled child). Upgrading your Wi-Fi router and wireless equipment allows you to upgrade your wireless encryption as well as enjoy faster speeds.

Also like Ethernet, upgrading to the maximum speed -- in this case 802.11n -- is the best suited for people moving large files and streaming HD video. Upgrading to 802.11n will have a negligible impact on your web browsing speed but will have an enormous impact on youtr ability to wirelessly stream HD content around yor home.



reference:
- Jason Fitzpatrick, "HTG Explains: Understanding Routers, Switches, and Network Hardware"
    < http://www.howtogeek.com/99001/htg-explains-routers-and-switches/ >

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