802.11 protocols are what come to mind for many people when asked about wireless networking -- and with each channel working in a specific way, it can be critical to understand the ins and outs of these protocols and how they can affect your wireless network. This section of the Wireless Protocols Learning Guide is designed to provide an overview of the main 802.11 protocols currently in use and under consideration by enterprises.

Learn about the newest wireless protocol, 802.11n, as well as how to evaluate which protocol is best for your environment. You also get a run-down of the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g specifications.

Table of contents

Wireless technologies defined
802.11 protocols
      -- 802.11 wireless deployments
      -- Considering 802.11n
Wireless access points
Wireless network deployment and management
Wireless security
Wireless troubleshooting

802.11 protocols
If you ask most people familiar with wireless networking what are the differences between 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g, they'll tell you about the data rates and, certainly, that the jump from a max of 11 Mbps (with b) to 54 Mbps (with a or g) is a big deal.

But the different 802.11 specifications work in various channels in specific ways and it's important to understand the ways in which these differences can affect the network.