An IEEE standard for wireless LANs. 802.11b networks range from 65 to 100 feet of the maximum data transfer rate (11 Mbps) desired; as the signal weakens with greater distances from the base unit, the protocol steps down to 5.5 Mbps and finally to 2 Mbps. 802.11b are capable of penetrating most walls (except thick concrete) at the cost of some range, 802.11b signals employ the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum and uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/ CA) to control media access. See access point, ad hoc network, AirPort, CSMA/CD, IEEE, infrastructure mode, WiFi, WiFi Alliance.
Technipages Explains IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11b is commonly known as WiFi is a wireless Local area network design. It is the wireless Local Area Network standard (WLAN), operating at 2.4GHz and the maximum speed rate is 11Mb/s.
Before IEEE 802.11b, the IEEE 802.11a was the standard, the speed rate of IEEE 802.11a is 54 Mbps and operating at a frequency of 5GHz. IEEE 802.11b is the predecessor for IEEE 802.11g. They are all part of the IEEE 802.11x series. IEEE 802 11a and 11b were implemented in September 1999, while IEEE 802.11g was implemented on May 2003.
IEEE 802.11b works with the Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) model; this model works to prevent a collision. Before a node makes a transmission, it first listens for a clear channel, to see if no other node is transmitting at the time, then it transmits and if there is no interference. A transmission is sent back to the origin of the transfer, but if there is no transmission sent back, the node assumes there is interference and listens for a clear channel and retransmit.
IEEE 802.11b is the first most widely adopted WiFi, as it was even built-in and still being built-in into laptops. Hotels, Airports, Startup businesses, and offices adopted the IEEE 802.11b as it was portable and the cost of installation was not much.
Common Uses of IEEE 802.11b
- IEEE 802.11b local area network design will still work at a distance of 65-80 feet if implemented the maximum speed is pegged at 11Mb/s
- The advent of IEEE 802.11b has made the use of a wireless local area network (WLAN) to be implemented by people of all classes and walks of life.
- IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.11g are all part of the IEEE 802.11x series of Wi-Fi network types
Common Misuses of IEEE 802.11b
- The maintenance of IEEE 802.11b is the same as the maintenance you carry out on your car.
