802.11a? Range?

[i was dchakrab]

Hi all,

I recently notived the specs for an 802.11a spec router and card listed at something like 1600 feet...?

If that's true, how come those seem to be giving way to 802.11b and g spec products? The range increase seems massive...can anyone comment on what actual range is like, and at what speeds?

Seems like switching to 802.11a might be a better option for a project i have lined up for this summer...setting up wireless for a small school. Walls are all concrete, so "b" and "g" spec routers might not work very well, unless i spread several of them around the place connected with Cat5.

Is the range/speed really that much better with "A"? Does it penetrate better through solid wall materials because of the higher frequency ranges, or the opposite?

-Dave.

[SkyDog]

802.11a tends to have a shorter practical range than b or g because its higher carrier frequency doesn't penetrate walls or other items as well.

It does have some advantages, like more discrete channels so you can pack access points closer together without overlap. 802.11b and g have 11 channels but the only ones that don't overlap one another are 1, 6, and 11. Cons for 802.11a include higher price and incompatibility with 802.11b and 802.11g equipment.

[i was dchakrab]

Thanks...i figured i was missing something important, other than that stated range.

What happens if i have overlaps? A location where there's more than three access points, for example, available...if two were set to the same channel, would there be interference? Wouldn't the client just be able to choose the access point to connect to?

-Dave.

[irwincur]

Just go og. At this point it would make little sense not to. However, make sure to get good access point, I have had a hell of a time with some of the cheaper g access points.

In terms of range, they are all similar, but a still ha a slight advanatge. But, a is obsolete for all intents and purposes, it would make little sense to use an a network at this point.