Ethernet wireless local-area networks are based on the IEEE 802.11 protocol, which currently comes in two flavors: 802.11a and 802.11b. The 802.11g protocol, now being finalized, will be added soon.

1. The 802.11a standard

802.11a is the standard of choice for organizations that want maximum performance and usability from their wireless LANs.

General features:

• Has a maximum transmission rate per channel of 54 megabits per second (Mbps). Actual throughput, however, is about half that number.
• Operates in the 5 GHz radio band.
• Supports eight channels at distances up to 25 feet.

Advantages:

• Throughput exceeds 802.11b throughput almost everywhere.
• The large number of channels allows more users to share the network and protects against interference from neighboring access points.

Disadvantages:

• Not backward compatible with 802.11b technology, so the two wireless systems won't interoperate with each other in the office. Moreover, 802.11a client devices won't work with 802.11b access points in public places like hotels, airports, etc.
• Not as mature as 802.11b technology.
• Costlier than an 802.11b system.

802.11a may be right for your organization if:

• You need high bandwidth for streaming video or other dynamic multimedia content.
• You're growing quickly and need the greater capacity of more channels.
• Your installation is sensitive to interference from Bluetooth wireless devices (Bluetooth is a wireless standard for shorter-distance communications).
• You don't currently have a WLAN and cost is less of an issue than performance.

2. The 802.11b standard

Long established, the 802.11b standard is used today by the majority of installed wireless LANs.

General features:

• Has a maximum transmission rate per channel of 11 Mbps, although actual throughput is about 6 to 7 Mbps.
• Operates in the 2.4 GHz radio band.
• Supports three channels at distances up to 350 feet.

Advantages:

• Products are readily available, easy to find, and affordable.
• Products are certified for interoperability by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
• Fewer access points are needed for more coverage.
• The technology is very mature and reliable.
• 802.11b is deployed worldwide, so business travelers can use their wireless-equipped devices in more locations.

Disadvantages:

• Existence of only three channels limits the number of simultaneous users.
• Operates in the 2.4 GHz radio band, which means that the system is susceptible to Bluetooth, microwave, and other interference.

802.11b may be right for your organization if:

• You're operating a transaction-intensive environment.
• Your users travel a lot and need wireless access in other locations.
• You need to keep acquisition costs low.
• You already have some 802.11b users.

In reality, either the 802.11a or the 802.11b standard will prove to be a great choice for most organizations. The market is developing dual-mode products that will support both standards, which will extend their useful life.

So don't fret too much about making the perfect choice. It's far more important not to delay your implementation. WLANs deliver unsurpassed mobility for users, allowing organizations to set new marks in efficiency and productivity today.