Wi-Fi Fundamentals — IEEE 802.11g Maximum Data Rate In IEEE 802.11 wireless networking, what is the theoretical maximum data rate specified by the 802.11g standard under ideal conditions?

Introduction / Context:
Wireless LAN standards define nominal data rates under ideal radio conditions. The 802.11g amendment extended earlier 2.4GHz systems by adopting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) while maintaining compatibility with 802.11b. This question checks recall of the headline rate for 802.11g.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the standard's theoretical maximum physical layer data rate.
• Environment is ideal (clear channel, strong signal, no interference).
• Throughput is different from the PHY rate due to protocol overhead.

Concept / Approach:
802.11g uses OFDM in the 2.4GHz band and defines a top PHY rate of 54Mbps. Actual application throughput is typically much lower (often 20–25Mbps single-stream) because management frames, acknowledgments, contention, and modulation fallback reduce effective throughput. Knowing the headline PHY rate helps quickly categorize capabilities across standards (b = 11Mbps, g = 54Mbps, a = 54Mbps at 5GHz, n = higher via MIMO, ac/ax = much higher at 5/6GHz).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the standard: 802.11g.Recall the top PHY data rate for 802.11g = 54Mbps.Confirm band: operates at 2.4GHz with OFDM (legacy b-compatibility).Select the option that exactly matches 54Mbps.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare with related standards: 802.11b tops at 11Mbps (DSSS/CCK); 802.11a is 54Mbps at 5GHz; 802.11n commonly exceeds 100Mbps PHY per stream; therefore, 54Mbps maps uniquely to 802.11g at 2.4GHz (and 802.11a at 5GHz).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 22Mbps: Seen in some proprietary turbo modes; not the 802.11g maximum.
• 6Mbps: A valid OFDM rate but not the maximum.
• 11Mbps: That is 802.11b's maximum, not 802.11g's.
• 72.2Mbps: Common single-stream 802.11n MCS rate, not 802.11g.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing PHY rate with real throughput; users often expect 54Mbps usable speed, but protocol overhead and RF conditions reduce it significantly.

Final Answer:
54Mbps