In this lesson, I’ll delve into an important aspect of Wi-Fi technology that many overlook: the physical layers supported on client devices and the channels available within each frequency band. For network administrators and designers, understanding these aspects can be crucial for optimizing performance and ensuring compatibility across devices. So, let’s explore the fundamentals of physical layers in Wi-Fi and discuss how channel support varies, impacting device selection and network performance.

Exploring Wi-Fi Physical Layers

Starting with the basics, the physical layer (PHY) is a critical component of any wireless network. It determines how data is transmitted between devices, influencing speed, range, and stability. You might recall when I discussed standards like DSSS, HR/DSSS, ERP, and the advancements in throughput over time. Here, I’ll revisit these in the context of supported physical layers for devices.

1. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
   • DSSS, defined by the original 802.11 standard, was one of the earliest PHY types in Wi-Fi. Though mostly obsolete today, you might still find legacy devices that support DSSS. Devices using this standard operate on the 2.4 GHz band and offer limited speeds, making them suitable mainly for low-bandwidth applications.
2. High Rate Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (HR/DSSS)
   • The HR/DSSS standard, or 802.11b, represents an evolution from DSSS. It brought higher data rates by supporting speeds up to 11 Mbps, making it a popular choice in early Wi-Fi networks. While HR/DSSS has largely been phased out, many devices still support it as a minimum on the 2.4 GHz band. This backward compatibility is essential for connecting older devices to modern networks, especially in environments where all client devices need some level of access.
3. Extended Rate PHY (ERP)
   • ERP, introduced with the 802.11g standard, improved speeds on the 2.4 GHz band by using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – the same technology later adopted in 5 GHz networks. Devices supporting ERP offer better data rates and reliability compared to HR/DSSS. When selecting devices for modern 2.4 GHz networks, it’s generally preferable to choose those supporting ERP or higher.
     

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