What’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a and Pre-N?

| Wireless Driver & Software

Currently  there are  four  levels of wireless networking standards,  which transmit data at very different maximum speeds. Each  is  based on  the designation 802.11(x), so named by the IEEE,  the  board  that is responsible  for certifying networking standards. The  most common wireless networking standard,

802.11b,  transmits information at 11Mbps;

802.11a and 802.11g work at 54Mbps;

and Pre-N works at 108Mbps.

Pre-N,  the precursor  to  the upcoming 802.11n release, promises speeds  that exceed 802.11g, and up  to twice  the wireless coverage area. See  the  following chart  for more detailed  information.