802.11 a/b/g compatibility question

Judge Dreddd · 11-27-2004, 07:47 AM

I'm going to be setting up a wireless access point for use in a retail organization. They want for their customers to come in, buy a sandwich, sit down, and surf. My concern is getting a unit that is compatible with the broadest amount of existing cards. I understand the difference between the standards, but I can't seem to find the answer to this question:
Is the "a" standard only compatible with "a" hardware? Is the same true for "b" and "g"? If I install an access point that is 802.11g, and someone with a 802.11a or b card comes in, will it work for them? I know that there are access points that support all three, maybe I should just get one of those?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate your time and knowledge...

Chevy · 11-27-2004, 08:06 AM

Most Wireless-G routers/access points can be configured to accept connections from both B and G devices.

Linksys Wireless-G Router

D-Link Wireless-G Router

djtleek · 11-27-2004, 11:33 AM

it is true that most wireless routers and access points are universal with any wireless cards because of the 802.11x standards. I currently have a 802.11b router and surf perfect with an 802.11g internal card. What you really need to be careful of is not to cheap out on the router. I recommend a Linksys but stay away from Belkin. I had one and it always gave me problems.

Judge Dreddd · 11-28-2004, 10:49 AM

Basically what you guys are telling me is I've got nothing to worry about. Any router/access point I get will work with any card out there. The important thing is to get a good router, not a cheap one.

Thanks again!

johnwill · 11-28-2004, 11:27 AM

I think this is a gross generalization, and not really correct. For instance, AT&T has hotspots at a number of airports I fly through, including Phila and Denver. They're 802.11b equipment will not connect to any 802.11g equipment, even if you configure it to connect to 802.11b only.

I spent a few hours in Denver, and I figured I'd kill some time, no dice! I finally called the help desk and they gave me the bad news. There was three of us with newer laptops that couldn't connect, but a couple of other people with older ones were having no issues.

This is just one example, there are more.

Chevy · 11-28-2004, 12:47 PM

Good point, John.

Actually, seeing as this is a retail (read: for-profit) business, you could run a hybrid, and have some know-good PCMCIA cards on hand - if the customer's doesn't work, they can rent one for a modest fee ...

11-27-2004, 07:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Judge Dreddd Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2 OS: Win2KPro	802.11 a/b/g compatibility question I'm going to be setting up a wireless access point for use in a retail organization. They want for their customers to come in, buy a sandwich, sit down, and surf. My concern is getting a unit that is compatible with the broadest amount of existing cards. I understand the difference between the standards, but I can't seem to find the answer to this question: Is the "a" standard only compatible with "a" hardware? Is the same true for "b" and "g"? If I install an access point that is 802.11g, and someone with a 802.11a or b card comes in, will it work for them? I know that there are access points that support all three, maybe I should just get one of those? Thanks in advance, I appreciate your time and knowledge...

11-27-2004, 08:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chevy Semi-Retired Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Notlob Posts: 5,162 OS: Vista Ultimate My System	Most Wireless-G routers/access points can be configured to accept connections from both B and G devices. Linksys Wireless-G Router D-Link Wireless-G Router __________________ “My philosophy, like color television, is all there in black and white” -M. Python

11-28-2004, 10:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
Judge Dreddd Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2 OS: Win2KPro	Thanks for your info... Basically what you guys are telling me is I've got nothing to worry about. Any router/access point I get will work with any card out there. The important thing is to get a good router, not a cheap one. Thanks again!

11-28-2004, 11:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 30,228 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	I think this is a gross generalization, and not really correct. For instance, AT&T has hotspots at a number of airports I fly through, including Phila and Denver. They're 802.11b equipment will not connect to any 802.11g equipment, even if you configure it to connect to 802.11b only. I spent a few hours in Denver, and I figured I'd kill some time, no dice! I finally called the help desk and they gave me the bad news. There was three of us with newer laptops that couldn't connect, but a couple of other people with older ones were having no issues. This is just one example, there are more. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

11-28-2004, 12:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chevy Semi-Retired Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Notlob Posts: 5,162 OS: Vista Ultimate My System	Good point, John. Actually, seeing as this is a retail (read: for-profit) business, you could run a hybrid, and have some know-good PCMCIA cards on hand - if the customer's doesn't work, they can rent one for a modest fee ... __________________ “My philosophy, like color television, is all there in black and white” -M. Python

11-27-2004, 11:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
djtleek Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 6 OS: XP	it is true that most wireless routers and access points are universal with any wireless cards because of the 802.11x standards. I currently have a 802.11b router and surf perfect with an 802.11g internal card. What you really need to be careful of is not to cheap out on the router. I recommend a Linksys but stay away from Belkin. I had one and it always gave me problems.