What are key differences between 802.11 wireless and 802.3 Ethernet? (Select two.)

Question

Options

• A802.3 networks require access points for device connection
• B802.11 exclusively uses fiber optics for connectivity
• C802.11 requires signal modulation for transmission
• D802.3 allows direct device-to-device communication over wired media

• B
  5% (1)
• C
  95% (19)

Explanation

C and D capture two fundamental distinctions between these standards.

C is correct because 802.11 transmits data over radio waves, which requires modulating digital signals onto a carrier frequency (e.g., OFDM or DSSS) - a necessary step when data must travel through air. 802.3 Ethernet sends digital signals directly over copper or fiber without this RF modulation layer.

D is correct because 802.3 supports direct device-to-device communication (e.g., two PCs connected via a crossover cable) without any intermediary. 802.11 in infrastructure mode always requires an access point to relay frames between clients.

A is wrong - it has the standards reversed. It's 802.11 (wireless) that typically needs an access point, not 802.3.

B is wrong - 802.11 uses radio frequency (RF) signals through the air. Fiber optics actually appears in some 802.3 variants (e.g., 1000BASE-SX), not in 802.11.

Memory tip: Think "11 = air = modulation needed; 3 = wire = plug straight in." The higher number (802.11) adds complexity (RF modulation, access points), while 802.3 keeps it simple with direct wired connections.

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