Wi-Fi bands (IEEE 802.11b): What frequency range does the 802.11b standard operate in?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding which IEEE 802.11 standard uses which frequency band is fundamental for troubleshooting and planning wireless networks, especially regarding interference and channel availability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard in question: IEEE 802.11b.
• Answers mix units of rate (Gbps) with units of frequency (GHz), a common distractor tactic.

Concept / Approach:
802.11b is a legacy Wi-Fi standard that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz ISM band (roughly 2.4–2.4835 GHz). It introduced data rates up to 11 Mbps using DSSS/CCK modulation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Any Wi-Fi primer or certification guide (e.g., CCNA Wireless, CWNA) lists 802.11b/g/n (legacy modes) as 2.4 GHz capable and 802.11a/ac/ax (modes) as 5 GHz capable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 2.4Gbps / 5Gbps: Throughput units, not frequency; irrelevant to “range”.
• 5GHz: That is for 802.11a (and later 5 GHz-capable amendments), not b.
• 900MHz: Used by other technologies, not 802.11b.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing frequency bands with data rates; assuming all Wi-Fi runs at 5 GHz because it is “faster”.

Final Answer:
2.4GHz