802.11b coverage at the lowest data rate: Approximately what indoor distance can be achieved at the lowest 802.11b data rate under typical conditions?

Introduction / Context:
802.11b operates in the 2.4 GHz band and supports data rates down to 1–2 Mbps using robust modulation (DBPSK/DQPSK with Barker coding). At these lowest rates, signals can travel farther indoors than at higher rates, though actual coverage depends heavily on environment and interference.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Typical indoor office/home environment with walls and furniture.
• Standard omnidirectional access points and client radios.
• We seek a commonly cited practical range, not a theoretical maximum.

Concept / Approach:

As data rates drop, receiver sensitivity thresholds are lower (better), allowing longer distances before frames fail. For 802.11b, industry training materials and vendor datasheets have historically cited about 300 feet (≈90 meters) as a practical indoor range at the lowest rates, with higher rates like 11 Mbps achieving much shorter distances (often around 100–150 feet).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

AP datasheets list receive sensitivities per rate; site surveys confirm that the cell edge for 1–2 Mbps often lies near 300 feet, varying by construction materials and interference (microwaves, Bluetooth, other APs).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

100 and 175 feet are more typical of higher rates (5.5 or 11 Mbps).

350 feet may occur in open spaces but exceeds the commonly taught planning number for indoor deployments.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming outdoor line-of-sight values apply indoors; ignoring regulatory transmit power limits; forgetting that client devices usually limit the uplink due to lower transmit power vs APs.

Final Answer:

About 300 feet