Action plan

If you're concerned about interoperability with existing 802.11b networks, there are two strong high-speed wireless alternatives:

In the immediate future, you can migrate to multimode 802.11a/.802.11b. For maximizing throughput and minimizing interference, nothing better is on the horizon. This approach might be most appealing for high-density installations. Its biggest drawback might be cost.

In 2003, you should be able to migrate to multimode 802.11a/802.11g or perhaps 802.11g-only.

The 802.11g option, by itself or as part of a multimode system, should provide higher throughput without the potential range and penetration limitations of 802.11a.

Throughput will likely suffer on networks with a lot of 802.11b devices, but still may be acceptable. The 802.11g-only products will likely have cost advantages over the multimode options.

Longer term, the two multimode approaches probably will converge. In all likelihood, multimode 802.11a/b will disappear, as multimode 802.11a/g becomes the norm.

Finally, if you have little or no 802.11b, your best bet might be 802.11a-only products today, which are falling in price.

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