IEEE 802.11g Gains Working Group Approval

The IEEE 802.11 Working Group approved the 802.11g specification, which uses OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) to support data rates up to 54 Mbps for wireless LANs using 2.4 GHz spectrum. Final approval is expected in mid-June 2003 with publication in late July 2003. The 802.11g standard will create data-rate parity at 2.4 GHz with 802.11a, which allows for a 54 Mbps rate at 5 GHz. The 802.11g specification is backward compatible with 802.11b. Commenting on the fact that some 802.11g labeled products are already on the market, Brian Mathews, IEEE 802.11 publicity chair, said the 802.11g draft had technical changes made to it at the January 2003 session. He noted that further changes are expected starting in March 2003.p://www.ieee802.org