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What follows is a review of OFDM [Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing], which is a single-carrier or multiple sub-carrier modulation format.

Data is split into many closely spaced sub-carriers. The use of many different frequencies makes OFDM very reliable even in noisy and multi-path (see Multipath) situations. In addition, OFDM can support higher data rates than single carrier systems. That is, for data rates up to 11 MPBS, CCK [Complimentary Code Keying] is acceptable. OFDM can support data rates up to 54 MBPS or higher.

A technical note: 802.11g radios can receive either CCK or OFDM. However, 802.11b uses DSSS [Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum].

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[tags]dsss,ofdm,orthogonal frequency division multiplexing,cck,complimentary code keying,direct sequence spread spectrum[/tags]