Case Project 2-5: Nautilus IT Consulting

802.11b: Works on the 2.4GHz spectrum. High speeds of 5.5Mbps and 11Mbps. Can support wireless devices up to 350 feet (107 meters) apart from each other. The max speeds of this standard all depends on the distance of one device to another. The farther you get, the speeds will go down to next lower level (5.5, 2, 1 Mbps). Pros: lowest cost; signal range is good and not easily obstructed. Cons: slowest maximum speed; home appliances may interfere on its 2.4GHz spectrum. 802.11a: Works on the 5GHz spectrum (no interference from home appliances working in the 2.4GHz spectrum). Higher speeds than 802.11b, up to 54Mbps (48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps). Can support wireless devices up to 100 feet (30 meters) apart from one another.

Pros: fast maximum speeds; regulated frequencies prevent signal interference from other devices. Cons: Highest cost; shorter range signal that is more easily obstructed. 802.11g: Works on the 2.4GHz spectrum, which means greater range (when compared to the 5GHz). Speeds up to 54Mbps; allowing downgrade speeds of 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps. Allowing backwards compatibility with 802.11b devices. Can support wireless devices up to 350 feet (107 meters) apart from each other.

Pros: fast maximum speed; signal range is good and not easily obstructed. Cons: costs more than 802.11b; home appliances may interfere on its 2.4GHz spectrum. 802.11n: Works on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum. Speeds up to 300Mbps (speeds up to 600Mbps in multiplex mode). Can support wireless devices up to Increased bandwidth through the utilization of multiple wireless signals and antennas; instead of one. Pros: maximum speed rates and bigger coverage area; more resistant to interference. Cons: more expensive that 802.11g devices, requires the strongest level of wireless security.