Currently there are four levels of wireless networking standards, which transmit data at very different maximum speeds. Each is based on the designation 802.11(x), so named by the IEEE, the board that is responsible for certifying networking standards. The most common wireless networking standard,
802.11b, transmits information at 11Mbps;
802.11a and 802.11g work at 54Mbps;
and Pre-N works at 108Mbps.
Pre-N, the precursor to the upcoming 802.11n release, promises speeds that exceed 802.11g, and up to twice the wireless coverage area. See the following chart for more detailed information.