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    wireless card compatibility issue

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by pnm, Nov 3, 2009.

  1. pnm

    pnm Notebook Guru

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    It seems many say that, e.g., G is backward compatible with A, B. If so, why not just make cards with G alone? That would cover A, B, too, wouldn't it? Why need AG, BG, ABG at all? Sorry if I'm sounding dumb in asking...
     
  2. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    802.11b is backwards compatible with 802.11b but not with 802.11a as the latter uses different frequency (5GHz instead of 2,4GHz) so it’s necessary to explicitly point out if “a” band works or not.
    There’s not much trouble in listing it and it’s also sanctioned by WiFi alliance so it’s the easy way to let people know if what they intend to buy is going to work. Not everybody has to know that their “b” device is going to work with “g” router just like you didn’t know that an “a” device is not gonna work with “g” router.