802.11: How it works

The lowdown:

802.11b
-- Leading standard for wireless networking
-- Known as Wi-Fi
-- Runs on three channels in 2.4GHZ, unregulated spectrum
-- Shares spectrum with cordless phones, microwave ovens and many Bluetooth products
-- Transfers data at speeds of 11 megabits per second per channel, at distances of up to 300 feet
-- Interference issues: In crowded 2.4GHz frequency, people may not be able to Web surf over a wireless network if they're using the microwave oven or using a cordless phone at the same time

802.11a
-- Runs on 12 channels in 5GHZ spectrum, reducing interference issues
-- Transfers data up to five times faster than 802.11b, improving quality of streaming media, and provides extra bandwidth for big files
-- Is not backward-compatible with 802.11b, meaning businesses or homes must tear down the old networks to use 802.11a equipment

802.11g
-- Runs on three channels in 2.4GHZ spectrum, the same as 802.11b
-- Has the speed of 802.11a, up to five times faster than 802.11b
-- Is more secure than 802.11b
-- Is backward-compatible with 802.11b
-- Most major manufacturers intend to make 802.11g equipment; Cisco said it would release its version sometime next year

HomeRF
-- A wireless networking protocol that pre-dates 802.11. In 2000, HomeRF was used in 45 percent of the home wireless-networking market but dropped to 30 percent in 2001 and continues to lose ground. HomeRF has had big-name supporters including Motorola, Nokia and Siemens, but some backers, such as Intel, have pulled out support to concentrate exclusively on Wi-Fi. HomeRF's supporters say there is room for more than one standard in the home market.

Noel Wilson writes for News.com