What is Wireless G?

Wireless G, the name sounds simple enough; it’s just what your internet comes through right? However, when you Google for this term what pops up, and I quote, is “IEEE 802.11g-2003 or 802.11g is an amendment to the IEEE 802.11 specification .” Oh my, even the most technologically savvy of your friends may not have a clue what this means!

Don’t fear however, these big words are just basic terms for the wireless network that makes you your internet connection at home or at work. This is the 3rd upgrade or change to the accepted version of wireless network in the world, which has allowed for increased downloading speeds and faster connections.

Fortunately when this technology was released, designers made it entirely backwards compatible with the older versions of wireless LANs (Local Area Networks). However, it is advisable to upgrade to Wireless G, since using older technology will significantly reduce speed for downloads and other web functions.

Unfortunately this new adaptation isn’t perfect, due to the large amount of other devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz range that Wireless G uses. These devices include but aren’t limited to cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices, and microwaves. To solve this problem, in the US there are specific channels on the MHz separation of the spectrum that only Wireless G is supported on.

Once again this is not perfect with some side interference occurring, but it is certainly much better than operating on non-specified channels. The same concept was implemented in Europe, simply on different MHz channels.

Perhaps the best feature or perk of the Wireless G set up is its connectability with the home, office, and even commercial establishments – sometimes through USB wireless adapters - but also its increased speed. This comes from proper design and a heritage to original wireless setups (particularly 802.11a).

The maximum speed is now 54Mbit/sec, a significant jump over what was previously possible on other wireless networks. This is great news for consumers who don’t have access to a hardline or are unable to acquire the necessary cables.

While this technology was released in 2003, it is still used in by almost every wireless setup in the country and around the world. Keep an eye out for improvements or variations to Wireless G, but right now this is the best and most consistent wireless technology on the market! Watch out though, Wireless N is quickly becoming popular.