802.11b
IEEE expanded on the original 802.11 standard in July 1999, creating the 802.11bspecification. 802.11b supports bandwidth up to 11 Mbps, comparable to traditional Ethernet.
802.11b uses the same unregulated radio signaling frequency (2.4 GHz) as the original 802.11 standard. Vendors often prefer using these frequencies to lower their production costs. Being unregulated, 802.11b gear can incur interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other appliances using the same 2.4 GHz range. However, by installing 802.11b gear a reasonable distance from other appliances, interference can easily be avoided.
- Pros of 802.11b – Lowest cost; signal range is good and not easily obstructed
- Cons of 802.11b – Slowest maximum speed; home appliances may interfere on the unregulated frequency band