802.11n is the next big version of Wi-Fi. The main versions so far are
- 'a', which is the 5 Megahertz version, and runs (realistically) at 25 megabits/second;
- 'b', which is the 2.4 Megahertz version deployed in most homes and access points (airports, etc.), and realistically runs 5 megabits/second; and
- 'g', which is the enhanced version of 'b', and runs (realistically) also at 25 megabits / second.
Well, 'n', is a big step forward, and is meant to address all the complaints about the current standards.
The 'n' standard, interestingly, while backward compatible, is tending to support the 'a' frequency range, rather than the much more popular 'b/g' frequency range. Regardless, commercial products will likely be compatible with everything that has gone before.
But enough of that. 'n' has the following amazing features:
- 100 megabits/second transfer rate, reliably, at distances encountered in homes owned by Microsoft millionaires (e.g., 4000 sq ft +);
- capabile of supporting, reliably, 3 simultaneous Hi-Def video streams in a home;
- will be tested in real home and business settings (I suggested they add "kitchens" to the list)
- will support reliable Voice-Over-IP (VOIP) in a home while streaming all that cool Hi-Def video; and
- by the time it comes out in late 2006, will cost about what Wi-Fi costs now, which means chips that "cost the same as a latte."
Sounds pretty cool!
© 2005 Stephen Clarke-Willson - All Rights Reserved
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