802.11b

Release date Frequency band Throughput (typ.) Net bit rate (max.) Range (indoor)
October 1999 2.4 GHz ~5 Mbit/s[4] 11 Mbit/s ~30 m[citation needed]

Main article: IEEE 802.11b-1999
802.11b has a maximum raw data rate of 11 Mbit/s and uses the same media access method defined in the original standard. 802.11b products appeared on the market in early 2000, since 802.11b is a direct extension of the modulation technique defined in the original standard. The dramatic increase in throughput of 802.11b (compared to the original standard) along with simultaneous substantial price reductions led to the rapid acceptance of 802.11b as the definitive wireless LAN technology.

802.11b devices suffer interference from other products operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Devices operating in the 2.4 GHz range include: microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors and cordless telephones.