What is the maximum theoretical throughput of the 802.11b Wi-Fi standard?

The maximum theoretical throughput of the 802.11b Wi-Fi standard is indeed 11 Mbps. This standard, which was introduced in 1999, operates on the 2.4 GHz band and utilizes complementary code keying (CCK) modulation to achieve its data rates.

At its highest data rate, which is 11 Mbps, 802.11b offers a significant improvement over its predecessor, 802.11 which had a maximum throughput of 2 Mbps. It is important to note that real-world performance often varies due to factors such as distance from the access point, interference from other devices, and physical obstructions.

The other choices reference different Wi-Fi standards or are simply higher than the capabilities of 802.11b. For example, 54 Mbps corresponds to the 802.11a and 802.11g standards, while 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps exceed current theoretical limits for the 802.11b standard and are associated with later Wi-Fi protocols. Understanding these standards helps clarify the evolution of Wi-Fi technology and influences decisions on equipment upgrades and network planning.