802.11ac vs. 802.11b

Attribute	802.11ac	802.11b
Release Year	2013	1999
Maximum Data Rate	up to 3.47 Gbps	11 Mbps
Frequency Band	5 GHz	2.4 GHz
Channel Width	80 MHz, 160 MHz	20 MHz
MIMO Support	up to 8x8	N/A

Introduction

When it comes to wireless networking standards, there are several options available to consumers. Two popular standards are 802.11ac and 802.11b. While both standards provide wireless connectivity, they have distinct differences in terms of speed, range, and compatibility. In this article, we will compare the attributes of 802.11ac and 802.11b to help you make an informed decision when choosing a wireless network for your home or business.

Speed

One of the key differences between 802.11ac and 802.11b is the speed at which they can transmit data. 802.11ac is the latest standard and offers much faster speeds compared to 802.11b. With a maximum theoretical speed of up to 1.3 Gbps, 802.11ac is ideal for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming HD video, online gaming, and large file downloads. On the other hand, 802.11b has a maximum speed of only 11 Mbps, making it suitable for basic web browsing and email.

Range

Another important factor to consider when comparing 802.11ac and 802.11b is the range of the wireless signal. 802.11ac operates on the 5 GHz frequency band, which provides better range and coverage compared to the 2.4 GHz band used by 802.11b. This means that 802.11ac is better suited for larger homes or offices where the wireless signal needs to travel through walls and other obstacles. In contrast, 802.11b may struggle to provide a strong signal in larger spaces due to its limited range.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, 802.11ac and 802.11b have different levels of support for older devices. 802.11ac is backward compatible with previous standards such as 802.11n, allowing you to connect older devices to a network using the latest standard. However, 802.11ac may not be compatible with very old devices that only support 802.11b. On the other hand, 802.11b is compatible with older devices that only support this standard, but may not work well with newer devices that require faster speeds and better range.

Security

Security is a crucial aspect of wireless networking, and both 802.11ac and 802.11b offer different levels of security features. 802.11ac supports the latest encryption standards such as WPA2, which provides strong protection against unauthorized access to your network. In contrast, 802.11b only supports older encryption standards such as WEP, which are more vulnerable to security breaches. If security is a top priority for you, choosing 802.11ac over 802.11b is recommended.

Cost

Cost is another factor to consider when comparing 802.11ac and 802.11b. Since 802.11ac is the latest standard with faster speeds and better range, it tends to be more expensive than 802.11b. If you are on a budget and do not require high-speed connectivity, 802.11b may be a more cost-effective option for your wireless networking needs. However, if you need faster speeds and better coverage, investing in 802.11ac may be worth the extra cost in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both 802.11ac and 802.11b have their own set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to wireless networking. 802.11ac offers faster speeds, better range, and improved security features compared to 802.11b, making it a more suitable choice for modern homes and businesses. However, 802.11b may still be a viable option for those on a budget or with older devices that do not require high-speed connectivity. Ultimately, the choice between 802.11ac and 802.11b will depend on your specific needs and preferences when it comes to wireless networking.