Wireless

[Glen Merrick]

re:

Just a small correction. The 802.11 standards operate on the 2.4 GHz
spectrum, not the 5GHz as I had previously stated. Only the Pre-N "standard"
operates on the 5GHz standard.

-Illusha


Hello, I dislike correcting but 802.11b and 802.11G are on the 2.4Ghz 
spectrum while 802.11A is on the 5GHz spectrum.  802.11N which is still 
in a draft or pre-certification state is able to work in both the 2.4G 
and 5G spectrum.  The difference is that "N" can take up 2 ABG channels 
(40Mhz) of spectrum to provide wider bandwidth.  There is alot of  pre-N 
equipment in stores right now and it is not guaranteed to work when the 
standard is ratified.

You need to find out several things if you want to find out about your 
area. 

1.  What type of cordless phone are you using?  900Mhz, 2.4Ghz, 5.0GHz 
(newer) 
If you are using 900Mhz then it does not matter whether or not you 
choose a 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz product.  If you have a 2.4 or 5 gig phone, it 
most likely is a spread spectrum device, which means that the phone 
transmits over the entire 2.4 or 5 gig spectrum.  You will then need to 
select a product that works in the other spectrum.
The more common products are 802.11G which operates on the 2.4G spectrum 
at a maximum theoretical speed of 54Mpbs.  If you need a 802.11A 
solution then you should go to a local small computer store who can 
order product in for you as the big box stores usually don't sell 
802.11A equipment.

If you don't mind being a guinnea pig, then you should research the 
various N gear and select only something that has a Certification 
sticker on it and guarantees that it will be compatible with the N 
standard when it is finally ratified.


Regards,

Glen Merrick