User's Manual

802.11a/b/g Combo Mini PCI WLAN Card User’s Manual

802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g

As this Wireless LAN Card is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g combo radio solution, you can connect to

either an 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g network. Getting familiar of some distinguish

differences between these two standards will help you better understand your device.

• Operating Frequency Band

802.11b and 802.11g operate in the 2.4GHz band while 802.11a operates in the 5GHz

band. Therefore, throughout this manual the 2.4 GHz-related terms are referred to

802.11b/g networks while 5 GHz is referred to 802.11a.

• Data Rates

802.11b supports data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps.

802.11g supports data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9,11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 54Mbps.

802.11a supports mandatory data rates of 6, 12, and 24 Mbps and optional data rates of

9, 18, 36, and 54 Mbps.

• Modulation

802.11a employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation (OFDM) scheme.

802.11b uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technologies. 802.11g uses

Complementary Code Keying (CCK) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation

(OFDM).