802.11b vs. 802.11a

[pacewhoplaybass]

I was researching the possibilities for wirless home networking when I noticed that Linksys's new WAP54a says that it is interoperable with all 802.11a equipment. Previously, I have only found 802.11b. Is this an enormous typo, or will I have problems if I try to mix the two?

 

[Inspectorclaven]

Well... that depends. 802.11b is the older technology that operates at 2.4 Ghz. and trasports data at speeds up to 11 mbps. 802.11a is the newer technology that operates at 5 Ghz. and transports data at speeds up to 54 mbps. 802.11a is fairly new and there is a somewhat limited array of equipment to choose from. However, make note that the two standards WILL NOT work together. In other words, if you buy an 802.11a wireless access point and an 802.11b NIC, the two will not communicate. The only way to ensure communication between standards is to buy an 802.11a OR 802.11b NIC and then use it (them) with an access point that supports both standards.

Here are some options for access points:

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=385493

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=342248

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=390567

HTH,
Inspectorclaven