A Guide to the Wireless Standards
The 802.11 Alphabet
The IEEE 802.11 standards are at the center of the wireless revolution. The wireless alphabet starts with 802.11a and extends to 802.11n. Linux Magazine helps you get your wireless spelling right.
Networking is in, and wires are out. But owners of WLAN-capable laptops are not the only ones who prefer to do without wires. Many households need to connect more than one computer to the Internet; and consumer electronics devices such as stereos or personal video recorders rely increasingly on LAN connectivity. Wireless connectivity is preferable of course, unless you really want to lay network cable across your living room carpet. This trend for wireless is reflected by skyrocketing sales in wireless network equipment. Business is booming for WLAN chip and device manufacturers. In Europe alone, wireless turnover is expected to hit the magical billion dollar mark by 2007. This trend is good for customers, too, as increasing quantities mean rapidly falling prices for WLAN equipment.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.