802.11 Vs. Ethernet

Ethernet systems are cable-based.

802.11 and Ethernet are both networking standards produced by the same international standards authority. 802.11 standards define wireless networks. Ethernet is the most widely implemented set of standards fro the physical properties of wired networks.

Standards Body

Both 802.11 and Ethernet are products of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE (pronounced 'I triple E') organizes its work defining stands into specialized committees. The committees are called working groups and each has a code. The working groups of the IEEE produce all their standards under their code followed by one or two letters to denote a series. The Ethernet group is one of the oldest working groups of the IEEE and carries the code 802.3. They have produced so many different versions of their recommendations that their standards have cycled through the alphabet and now need two letters following the 802.3 code to advance the sequence. The 802.11 working group specializes in the newer technology of Wi-Fi networks.

Performance

Cabled networks offer a more secure path with less chance of Interference or loss of data than wireless networks. Ethernet networks offer much faster data throughput rates than wireless networks. The latest Wi-Fi standard is 802.11n. This standard defines a wireless network system that has capabilities beyond the equipment currently available in the market. The standard allows for a wide range of performance and the current market only achieves the lower end of that range. Eventually, 802.11n equipment will be able to pass data at a rate of 600 megabits per second. Currently available Ethernet standards achieve 40 gigabits per second and a 100 gigabit system is under development. A megabit is a million bits. A gigabit is a thousand million bits. So, 802.3 standards achieve better data throughput than 802.11 systems.

Compatibility

The 802.11 working group has compatibility as one of its requirements. New Wi-Fi systems have to be compatible with older Wi-Fi systems. All 802.11 systems are compatible with the Ethernet standards. Network adapter and routers operating a wireless network also have one or more RJ45 sockets to enable connection to a physical networks. This connectors all comply with the 802.3 standards.

Media

The focus on advancement of both standards is the transmission media. The 802.11 working group researches more efficient use of radio waves as data carriers, and is pushing for Wi-Fi systems to use higher frequencies to carry data faster. The 802.3 working group expects cable types to improve performance in order to remain within the Ethernet recommendations.

References

• PC Mag: Definition of: 802.3
• Tech Target: Ethernet
• Cisco System: Ethernet Technology
• Network Dictionary: Network, Networking Technology, Data Communication Terms, Glossary and Dictionary - Numbers
• The Ethernet Alliance: 40 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet Technology Overview
• Spread Spectrum Scene : A Technical Tutorial on the IEEE 802.11 Protocol

Resources

• Tech Target: 802.11n