802.11b vs 802.11g

[Bumpus]

Question: If I have a wireless card in my laptop, 802.11b, will it work on a wireless system that is 802.11g? The flip side is, if I have an 802.11g in my laptop, will it function on an 802.11b wireless network?

I guess I thought that the 2 systems were not compatible.

Thanks, Ken

[pave_spectre]

THIS (http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless80211/a/aa80211standard.htm) should explain the differences, but basically the g and b standards are compatible.

Its the a standard that is not directly compatible with b.

[deddard]

You should bear in mind that there can be problems using b and g devices together when encryption is required.
If possible, stick to the same manufacturer of AP and card - you can run round in circles trying to get things working otherwise.
I've got a buffalo 11g/b wap and a buffalo 11g pcmcia card - both work excellently together when using WPA encryption (or any other encryption)
Trying to get the 11b adaptor built into the laptop to play with the AP when encryption is enabled is a different matter. I also have an IPAQ 4150 which will not play with the 11g/b AP if encryption is enabled - I haven't got enough time to sort things at present,but will be experimenting soon.
I like the buffalo gear, but their support is garbage, as is Compaq's- I do wish the different manufacturers could bury their differences and get thing working properly, instead of just saying 'oh the problem is with the other manufacturer's device'

[Bumpus]

Just what I was looking for...thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

Ken