Range versus Rate in IEEE 802 . 11 g Wireless Local Area Networks

To determine the effectiveness of a family of modulation and coding options for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications, it is useful to understand how data throughput and distance are traded. In this paper, a mathematical model is presented that allows for a rational comparison of IEEE 802.11g proposals. In this study the legacy CCK systems are compared to the PBCC, CCK/OFDM and 11a/OFDM. The comparison demonstrates that while PBCC and 11a/OFDM follow similar rate versus range curves, the additional overhead required for 802.11b backwards compatibility of the CCK/OFDM has a severe rate versus range penalty . © Chris Heegard, DRAFT v0.3 Monday, July 2, 2001 Range verus Rate in IEEE 802.11g Wireless Local Area Networks