What is wireless networking?

What is wireless networking?

802.11 (sometimes called "Wi-Fi") is a set of protocols that are widely used for small Local Area Networks. Another protocol called Bluetooth allows devices to communicate wirelessly, but it is only useful for very short ranges, and generally not used for home networking. Bluetooth can be useful for networking personal devices in a small area, often called a Personal Area Network (PAN).

Currently, standard 802.11b communicates at 11 Mbps. Our 22 Mbps 802.11b equipment will transmit at twice that speed when used with other 22 Mbps gear. It will also "step down" to talk to 802.11b at 11 Mbps. Currently, standard 802.11g communicates at 54 Mbps. Our 100/125 Mbps 802.11g equipment will transmit at twice that speed when used with other 100/125 Mbps gear. It will also "step down" to talk to 802.11g at 54 Mbps or 802.11b at 11 or 22 Mbps.

Note that 802.11a and 802.11b are not directly compatible with one another, but future products may be created to "bridge" the two networks and allow these devices to communicate. Currently, all wireless products use the 802.11b protocol, in either 11 Mbps or 22 Mbps speeds, or 802.11g protocol, in either 54 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 125 Mbps.