Range

Range is a key consideration when selecting your Wi-Fi solution. Although it is often desirable to have the gear that operates with the longest range, don't get stuck in the mindset that the longest range is the best.

A longer range solution (such as 802.11g) reduces costs in that you do not need to buy extra APs to reach distant clients; however, a shorter range technology (such as 802.11a) makes it easier to segment users and reduces interference between neighboring APs.

A discussion of range involves an approximation at best. Don't take Table A-3 into your organization and expect the ranges to be exactly as they are described in the table. Range is greatly affected by your environment, including the materials used in your building and any sources of interference. Table A-3 shows the types of ranges you can expect at differing speeds from the 802.11 protocols.

Table A-3. Data Rates and Ranges

Data Rate (Mbps)	802.11a	802.11g	802.11b
54	90 ft (27 m)	90 ft (27 m)	_
48	225 ft (69 m)	95 ft (29 m)	_
36	300 ft (91 m)	100 ft (30 m)	_
24	350 ft (107 m)	140 ft (42 m)	_
18	400 ft (122 m)	180 ft (54 m)	_
12	450 ft (137 m)	210 ft (64 m)	_
11	_	220 ft (67 m)	160 ft (48 m)
9	475 ft (145 m)	250 ft (76 m)	_
6	500 ft (152 m)	300 ft (91 m)	_
5.5	_	310 ft (94 m)	220 ft (67 m)
2	_	350 ft (107 m)	270 ft (82m)
1	_	410 ft (124 m)	410 ft (124 m)