next up previous index
Next: Thesis Project Specification Up: Commercial Ad Hoc Products Previous: Bluetooth   Index

IEEE 802.11b

IEEE 802.11b is wireless local area network communications standards that operate in the 2.4GHz band at data rates of 2 to 11Mbps and distances of 25 to 300 metres [2]. In an IEEE 802.11 network, there are two possible modes: ad hoc mode, where all nodes in the network must be within range of each other, and the infrastructure mode, in which all inter-node communication must pass via access points. The ad hoc mode allows for ad hoc network of nodes, but communication is point-to-point, with no multihop capabilities. Since the IEEE 802.11 standard only defines the physical and data-link layer, it is up to upper layer protocols to incorporate multihop capabilities. Unlike Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b products are widely available.

Table: Features of commercial ad hoc products
  IEEE 802.11b Bluetooth
Bit Rate 2 - 11 Mbps 1 Mbps
Range 25 - 300m 10m
Ad Hoc Capabilities? Only point-to-point, not multihop Yes
Cost AUD$300 Not widely available



next up previous index
Next: Thesis Project Specification Up: Commercial Ad Hoc Products Previous: Bluetooth   Index
2001-07-02