Glossary
Numbers
- 1000Base-T
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A networking standard that allows for data transfer rates of up to 1000 Mbps. Also known as Gigabit Ethernet. It’s the newest and most expensive flavor in networking, which limits it mostly to corporate applications.
- 100Base-T
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A networking standard that allows for data transfer rates of up to 100 Mbps. Also known as Fast Ethernet. Most new home networking equipment supports both 10Base-T and 100Base-T due to low cost and proven performance/reliability.
- 10Base-T
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A networking standard that allows for data transfer rates of up to 10 Mbps. Also known as Ethernet. Most cable and DSL modems still adhere to this standard, despite the fact that newer and faster 100Base-T technology is available for the same low cost.
- 54g
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See 802.11g.
- 802.11
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A set of standards developed by the IEEE for local-area wireless networks. Also known as Wi-Fi and WLAN.
- 802.11a
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An IEEE wireless networking standard; offers 54 Mbps data transfer on the 5GHz band. Uncommon due to incompatibility with other standards.
- 802.11b
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An IEEE wireless networking standard; also known as WiFi. Offers 11 Mbps data transfer on the 2.4GHz band. The most popular wireless standard. So-called “hotspots” at airports, coffee shops, and college campuses typically use 802.11b technology.
- 802.11g
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An IEEE wireless networking standard; offers 54 Mbps data transfer on the 2.4GHz band. Also known as 54g.
Because it uses the same frequency band, it is backwards-compatibile with 802.11b, and is thus the natural replacement for current 802.11b wireless technology.
- 802.11i
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An upcoming security standard for 802.11 wireless networks. It will include Wi-Fi Protected Access technology and stronger AES encryption.