WiFi Conductivity Limits

Wi-Fi technology has varying conductivity limits.

At the time of publication, Wi-Fi technology involves the use of four standards -- 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n -- with different conductivity limits. Most computing devices, such as laptop and desktop computers and mobile phones, come with at least one Wi-Fi standard for wireless networking functionality. Wi-Fi conductivity, also known as data-transfer speed, can be influenced by more than just the standards’ capabilities.

Connection Types

Although a Wi-Fi router offers wireless access to computers, it actually relies on a wired connection to a phone or cable line for accessing the Internet. The rate at which the router accesses data is determined by the type of connection it has. DSL connections transfer data at rates of up to 15 megabits per second, while cable connections can reach speeds of up to 105 Mbps. Verizon’s fiber optic cable connection, known as FiOS, is the industry’s fastest connection at the time of publication, with speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Your computer’s Wi-Fi standard may be unable to transfer data that fast, however.

Standards

The 802.11b Wi-Fi standard -- the first to gain widespread usage -- transfers data at up to 11 megabits per second. The 802.11a and 802.11g protocols, which were the next additions to the Wi-Fi family, transfer data at up to 54 Mbps. The 802.11n standard -- the newest addition at the time of publication -- can transfer data at up to 600 Mbps. These speeds occur in optimal conditions, however.

Routers

Wi-Fi routers, also known as wireless routers, can have an impact on Wi-Fi conductivity limits. For example, most routers have limits as to how many computing devices they can support simultaneously. As this limitation is neared or reached, devices connected wirelessly will experience slower data-transfer speeds, regardless of the Wi-Fi standard’s conductivity capability. Minimizing the number of devices connected to the router can help maximize Wi-Fi data-transfer rates.

Considerations

Network traffic also influences on how quickly data transfers over a Wi-Fi connection. If your Internet service provider experiences a high volume of traffic, its available bandwidth can diminish, affecting all subscribers’ Internet speeds, including your wireless router’s Wi-Fi conductivity rate. Most Wi-Fi-enabled devices connect to a wireless router up to 300 feet away, but certain conditions, such as stormy weather or radio interference, can limit their range.

References

• High-Speed Internet: Comparing DSL vs. Cable Internet
• Intel: Intel and 802.11
• Phone Scoop: Wi-Fi