802.11g is a member of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards for wireless networking. 802.11g is the most common standard available today. The 802.11n standard is actually the most recent, but has not yet been ratified. 802.11g is the most recent to be ratified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE is in charge of ratifying wireless networking standards that the Wi-Fi Alliance (an industry body) agrees.
802.11g is an enhancement to the 802.11b standard before it and it offers a faster data speed. A Wireless G router built to 802.11g specifications will offer data transfer rate of 54 Mbit/s. It has range an outdoor range of up to 140 metres and an indoor range of up to 38 metres.
It runs on the same frequency band as 802.11b of 2.4 GHz. 802.11g and 802.11b wireless devices are compatible with each other. For example, you can operate a 802.11g Wireless G router with a 802.11b equipped laptop, and vice versa.
802.11g Wireless G Router
A wireless router built to a 802.11g specification is commonly referred to as a Wireless G router. It has been in use since early 2003.
Wi-Fi Certified b/g Logo
The Wi-Fi Alliance tests the compatibility of Wireless (Wi-Fi) products. If a product passes the test, the manufacturer is permitted to use the Wi-Fi Alliance Certification logo. Currently the most common is the W-Fi Certified b/g Logo. This means that the device is compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.
You may also be interested in the Wireless N router. Wireless N (802.11n) has not been ratified by the IEE yet. It should be ratified at the end of 2009. You can, however, buy draft N or pre-N products. These are not guaranteed to be fully compatible with the fully ratified Wireless N, so it may be wise to stick with Wireless G in the mean time.