Home Networking Learning Center

Home Networking Learning Center

Home Networking Topics

More Resources

Other Learning Centers

Need More Help?

Dell Chat
Chat With Us
Product Advisors are available from 8AM - 9PM CST.
More Details
 
Click to Talk
Talk With Us
Product Advisors are available from 8AM - 9PM CST.
More Details

Dell Community

Dell Community Conversations
Get ideas, blog posts, forum threads, videos and more.
Join the Conversation!

Help Your Friends

Home Networking Shoppers Unite
Tell someone you know about this learning resource.

E-Mail this to a friend

Wi-Fi Standards
Get a handy home networking shopping checklist. | Go.

Take the plunge into home networking. | Shop Now.

Wireless Fidelity
The term Wi-Fi is synonymous with wireless networking. Why? Because Wi-Fi, short for "Wireless Fidelity", is the name given to the radio signals that power wireless networks.

Just as there are different operating systems for computers, there are different "standards" of Wi-Fi. You’ll want to make sure to choose the one that’s right for you.

Which wireless is best for you?
The standards may seem confusing at first, but the table below can help explain the differences and what each really means for your network.

Wi-Fi StandardData Transfer Rate*Frequency BandThings to Know
802.11bUp to 11 Mbps2.4 GHz
  • The first Wi-Fi to hit the market
  • Being replaced by newer standards
  • Slowest, oldest
802.11gUp to 54 Mbps2.4 GHz
  • Faster than 802.11b, but still completely compatible with it
  • Some interference from devices such as microwaves, cordless phones
  • Some interference from features of your home such as 2-story construction, fireplaces and concrete or plaster walls
802.11aUp to 54 Mbps5 GHz
  • Mostly available in combination with 11g devices (802.11 g/a devices)
  • Good for sharing DVD-quality video across your home network due to 5GHz frequency band and less chance of interference
802.11nUp to 300 MbpsBoth 2.4GHz & 5GHz
  • Based on an emerging new standard
  • Backwards compatible with 802.11a,b and g
  • Highest bandwidth for wireless
  • Dual-band Draft 802.11n is the way to go for home theater enthusiasts who wish to transfer large files across the network

Shop By Brand

LINKSYSNETGEARD-LinkBELKINMcAfee Security CenterWINDOWS

Laptops | Desktops | Business Laptops | Business Desktops | Workstations | Servers | Storage | Monitors | Printers | LCD TVs | Electronics
© 2009 Dell | About Dell | Terms of Sale | Unresolved Issues | Privacy | About Our Ads | Dell Recycling | Contact | Site Map | Visit ID | Feedback

snWW27