TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of 802.11a compared to 802.11b?

1. It uses a different frequency band

2. It has a higher maximum transmission speed

3. It is more power-consuming

4. It supports more simultaneous connections

The correct answer is: It uses a different frequency band

The selection of the characteristic regarding frequency bands highlights a significant difference between the 802.11a and 802.11b standards in wireless networking. 802.11a operates in the 5 GHz frequency range, while 802.11b uses the 2.4 GHz range. This distinction is crucial because the 5 GHz band typically offers several advantages, including reduced interference from other devices operating on the 2.4 GHz band, such as microwaves and Bluetooth devices. Additionally, the 5 GHz band can support more non-overlapping channels, leading to improved performance in environments with many wireless networks. While 802.11a does generally offer higher maximum transmission speeds and supports more simultaneous connections, these aspects don't differentiate it primarily from 802.11b in the same defining manner as the frequency band does. Moreover, 802.11a is often noted for being less power-efficient compared to 802.11b, particularly because of its higher operating frequency, which can impact device battery life. Thus, the correct identification of the different frequency bands effectively illustrates one of the most fundamental distinctions between these two Wi-Fi standards.