A network technician is preparing documentation for a wireless infrastructure review. Which IEEE 802.11 wireless standard matches each set of frequency bands and key technical capabilities?
- IEEE 802.11bOperates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band with a maximum theoretical speed of 11 Mbps
- IEEE 802.11aOperates exclusively in the 5 GHz band with a maximum theoretical speed of 54 Mbps
- IEEE 802.11acOperates exclusively in the 5 GHz band and introduced multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO)
- IEEE 802.11axOperates in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands and introduced OFDMA
Answer
IEEE 802.11b matches the 2.4 GHz band with 11 Mbps maximum speed; IEEE 802.11a matches the 5 GHz band with 54 Mbps maximum speed; IEEE 802.11ac matches the 5 GHz band with MU-MIMO; and IEEE 802.11ax matches the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands with OFDMA.
Each wireless standard has defining frequency and performance specifications: 802.11b operates strictly at 2.4 GHz (up to 11 Mbps); 802.11a operates strictly at 5 GHz (up to 54 Mbps); 802.11ac operates on 5 GHz with MU-MIMO support; and 802.11ax spans 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz spectrums utilizing OFDMA technology.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Wireless 802.11 standards frequency allocations, maximum theoretical speeds, and key features