[Offtopic] 802.11n Wi-Fi

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Next-gen Wi-Fi nears
Jessica Mintz, MAY 17, 2007

<http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,21746566%5E16123%5E%
5Enbv%5E,00.html>

THE next generation of wireless internet products certified by the Wi-Fi 
Alliance is expected to hit shelves next month, even though a final 
standard for the technology isn't due for another year. 

The Wi-Fi Alliance will begin certifying wireless routers, networking 
cards, microchips and other so-called "Draft N" products in June. 

The products, which take their name from the upcoming  802.11n  technical 
standard, are expected to reach retail stores shortly thereafter.
 
Wi-Fi comes in several flavours - "b," "a," "g," and soon "n" - referring 
to the subsection of the technical guidelines issued by the Institute of 
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 

The "n" version is expected to be about five times faster than the widely 
used "g" variety, though in practice, speeds rarely reach what's listed 
on the box. Draft N products are said to offer better reach through walls 
and into dead spots and will use multiple radios to send and receive 
data, making them better at handling big video files. 

Gear rated to handle n-level wireless already is being sold. But the Wi-
Fi Alliance said certified Draft N items from different vendors are 
guaranteed to work together and to work with older certified Wi-Fi 
products. 

Senior director of marketing for the IEEE Karen Hanley said the worldwide 
wireless industry shipped 200 million Wi-Fi products last year. Over the 
next few years, the category will expand from mostly laptops and access 
points to Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones, televisions and video games. 

Ms Hanley said the final 802.11n standard isn't expected until 2009. 
Reuters 
--

Cheers all,
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia