802.11b

Definition: 802.11b is a WLAN communication standard. 802.11b is one of the wireless Ethernet standards in the 802.11 series.

Compared to alternatives like 802.11a and 802.11g, 802.11b network equipment costs less. Its relatively low cost naturally resulted in many home and small business networks adopting 802.11b.

802.11b LANs support a maximum data rate of 11 Mbps. Although 802.11b performs much better than traditional dial-up networking, the performance of 802.11b is still significantly less than 802.11a and other, newer standards.

Also Known As: Wi-Fi

Examples:

802.11b transmits in the 2.4 Ghz frequency range. This range is "unregulated," meaning that radio transmitters built into other products may use the same frequency and interfere with the 802.11b network. These products include some cordless telephones, microwave ovens, garage door openers, and baby monitors.