Canon Digital Learning Center - Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1A

Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1A

WFT-E1a -- what determines 802.11b vs. 802.11g?

The WFT-E1a transmitter can use either of two common transmission protocols -- 802.11g, or the slower 802.11b method.

Figure 1 EOS 1Ds Mark II with a WFT-E1A attached

Which system is used largely depends upon what accessory is being used at the computer to act as a receiver for the wireless signals coming from the camera and WFT-E1a.

If the "Ad Hoc" method is used with an internal wireless card or wireless adapter, the system uses exclusively 802.11b.

On the other hand, if a larger receiver such as a third-party "access point" or an external "router" is used, and connected to the computer, this requires the user to switch to the Infrastructure method during set-up.

Figure 2 802.11b or 802.11g

Now, if the access point receiver (or router) is compatible with the faster 802.11g system, that’s what will be used.

So it’s the choice between Ad Hoc and Infrastructure transmission methods that largely dictate whether you run 802.11b or 802.11g when using the WFT-E1a. This is the case regardless of the camera you’re using it with.

There is a good online resource for the WFT-E1A transmitter. Click here to see the demonstration.