sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Computers & Programming Computers, Software, Accessories Will 802.11b messup an 802.11g network?

The closest I can give any reliable information on is this-

In my closet, I have two standard Linksys wireless routers. I believe one supports b & g and the other is b only. I haven't configured anything specific for channel assignments. One of them is secured, and is behind my Firewall, so that users with laptops could participate in the local network, with respect to drive mappings and printers. The other is connected to a second cable modem which is dedicated to the voice traffic for our IP extensions on the PBX, this wireless router is unsecured, for visitors to connect directly to the net without any trouble. The two networks seem to happily coexist, and I haven't had any users complain of issues.... But I'm no expert. YMMV

If you are running your AP in mixed mode (b/g) you should only slow down when a b client associates to the AP.

802.11b uses DSSS while 802.11g uses OFDM, the b clients can't 'hear' the g transmissions because of the modulation. When running is mixed mode the ap sends out a packet to all the b stations that the wireless medium is going to be in use for x amount of milliseconds and to not transmit. Then it begins the g transmission. This slows down your network because every time a client transmits, this protection mechanism has to happen. Otherwise your data would get corrupted while a g station is transmitting from a b station thinking the airwaves are clear because it doesn't understand OFDM.

Microwave ovens present a problem because it is just 2.4 noise, if the microwave puts out more power then the station transmitting or the AP then the packets get lost in the background noise.

MIMO is a technology that helps multipath. When your wireless card transmits, the signal gets bounced all over the place, off windows, walls, etc. These signals all arrive at the AP at different times and depending on the timing and phase shift they can cancel each other out, making your station retransmit its packet. With multiple antennas, the AP gets the signal on three receivers and compares them, discarding the duplicate packets, but hopefully getting your original packet ok one one of the receivers.

I would like to add that it is not all trial and error as RustyNails indicates. If you are going to be doing lots of 802.11 b,g,n,s setups I'd recommend one of the WiSpy tools from MetaGeek.com. I'll be ordering one as soon as the next big check comes in.

Bluetooth wireless also uses the same 2.4Ghz ISM band as the other devices mentioned. Since all of these devices are FCC Part 15 they, must accept any interference and are not guaranteed to work. I definitely suggest changing off of the default channel of 6 or 11.

If your microwave is emitting enough to disturb your wireless you should really look at getting a newer or better shielded one since it is exciting its user more than the food. The other idea is to place the AP with the refrigerator/central air duct/chimney between it and the microwave.

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11

https://www.metageek.net/products/