What is 802.11g?

This article contains background information on the 802.11g wireless standard as well as some performance information that might help you when designing or troubleshooting a wireless network.

Channel Frequencies

• 2.4GHz range
• 13 channels, numbered 1 to 13
• 5Mhz separation between each channel
• 25Mhz separation recommended to avoid overlapping
• US and Canada recommend channels 1, 6 an 11
• Europe recommend channels 1, 5, 9 and 13

Bandwidth & Range

• 802.11g transmits at 54Mbs
• Effective throughput anywhere between 13 and 42 Mbs
• Cable connection by comaprison, transmits at 10Mbs or 100Mbs
• Range approx 120M in clear space or 30M in premises

Performance Problems

• Poor signal due to antennae power setting too low
• Poor signal caused by proximity to metalwork
• Signal disrupted by intervening materials - Cotswold stone, etc
• Same channel used by neighbouring router within range
• Channel overlap fom neighbouring router within range
• Interference from microwave ovens, bluetooth devices, cordless phones

Problem Workarounds

• Fix channel on Laptop to stop roaming and picking up unwanted signals from neighbouring routers. Try using non-recommended channel first - see 'Channel Frequencies' (above)
• Add an extra wireless router to your network to give you better covergae within your premises
• An extra router does not need to be a special 'extension router' - any configurable router will do

Security

• Make sure you have strong authentication encryption enabled
• Employ MAC addressing to ensure only designated computers can connect
• If you're operating a hot-spot then of course you will want anyone to connect so security may not be an issue