- Here we have a table
of 802.11 Wireless Protocols that you should know
for the A+ exams.
I've broken this table down into three columns,
the version, the maximum data rate,
and frequency.
And I've separated it into two sections
with some of the older wireless protocols
and some of the newer wireless protocols.
Now all of these are based on the IEEE 802.11 standard
and each one is a different version of that standard.
So let's take a look at these
and give an example after we're done.
And I've listed these alphabetically by version letter
and we'll start with 802.11a.
Maximum data rate is 54 megabits per second.
The frequency it uses to transmit data is 5 gigahertz.
Next is 802.11b.
That has a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second
which is not nearly enough for today's applications
and the streaming of media.
It sends data on the 2.4 gigahertz frequency.
Then we have 802.11g,
which is 54 megabits per second,
and transmits on 2.4 gigahertz.
So you probably won't see these protocols very often
but let's show an example of them.
And I'm connected to a typical wireless access point/router.
And I'm in the wireless 2.4 gigahertz section.
So this particular router can send data
on the 2.4 gigahertz frequency
and the 5 gigahertz frequency.
As far as 2.4 goes, we have options here.
We can work with 802.11 b or g
or 802.11 b, g, or n.
But generally this is gonna be the slower frequency,
it's gonna have less range
and so it's less often used.
Let's go back to our table here
and take a look at some of the newer protocols.
802.11n, which is known as Wi-Fi 4.
Has a maximum data rate of 600 megabits per second
but this can transmit data on the 2.4 gigahertz frequency
as we just saw, but also the 5 gigahertz frequency.
Next, we have two that are gonna be much more common
802.11ac, which is known as Wi-Fi 5,
has a maximum data rate of 3.5 gigabits per second.
Can only transmit on 5 gigahertz.
And then we have 802.11ax,
which is known as Wi-Fi 6.
And, in fact, it's broken down into two sections,
Wi-Fi 6, which can transmit on the 5 gigahertz
and 2.4 gigahertz frequencies
and also Wi-Fi 6 enhanced,
or Wi-Fi 6E,
which can transmit on the 6 gigahertz frequency
and the maximum data rate supported by 802.11ax
is 9.6 gigabits per second.
Now the data rates that are listed
in this table are just potential maximums.
Typical numbers will be less
and they're limited by several factors,
such as interference
and the distance of your wireless device
from the transmitter, from the wireless access point.
And that becomes more apparent when you get into the newer
and more powerful protocols.
Let's show an example of a couple
of the newer protocols on 5 gigahertz on our router here.
And so this wireless access point
of this router can transmit data on
802.11 a and n on 5 gigahertz
or 802.11 a, n, and ac.
Other routers will be able to do ax.
Definitely an exam alert here,
know the frequencies used by each
of these 802.11 versions.
Know that, for example, 802.11n can transmit on 5
and 2.4 gigahertz,
know that 802.11ac can only transmit on 5 gigahertz,
and so on.
Now, one thing I left out of this table is coverage
or distance.
It's very difficult to put an exact number
on the maximum wireless transmission distances
for any of these standards
because it depends on the signal strength
of the wireless access point's antenna, the use
of additional features and technologies,
and also environmental factors such as obstructions
and interference.
But, generally, the rule of thumb is this:
the wireless range will increase
with each standard in the table.
So you're gonna get more distance
as you progress through these standards.
And a final note here,
new technologies are being developed as of the recording
of this video that will use higher frequency ranges
and can transmit much more data per seconds.
Always be on the alert for emerging networking technologies.
And so, for example, 802.11be will most likely become
the Wi-Fi 7 protocol.
As of the recording of this video, it's not definite,
but that is the proposed standard.
It's 2022 as of the recording of this video
but that most likely will be the case.
One way or another, there will be a Wi-Fi 7
and it can transmit at a theoretical 40 gigabits per second.
And it will have the ability to do the same frequency ranges
as 802.11ax.
So always be on the lookout for new technologies.