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Next Gen of Wi-Fi Is Planned for Summer
By Larry Hendrick | May 16, 2007
For over a year, I have been advising against buying any Draft N wireless routers because the standard is still not ratified. Now it appears ratification isn’t coming for two more years, but I might have to ease my stance. Dwight Silverman with the Houston Chronicle has tested many different Draft N routers and clients, and says they are playing nice together.
Next Gen of Wi-Fi Is Planned for Summer
SEATTLE (AP) - The next generation of wireless Internet products certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance is expected to hit shelves this summer, even though a final standard for the technology isn’t due for another year, the industry group says.The Wi-Fi Alliance was announcing Wednesday that it 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 flavors - “b,”"a,”"g,” and soon “n” - referring to the subsection of the technical guidelines issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a technical professional organization.
That is the biggest issue with buying wireless equipment before ratification. The different manufacturers build products that work under the current knowledge of the standard, but with no guarantee of working with other manufacturers equipment.
Meaning, if you purchase a Linksys router, the safest bet is to buy the same brand clients. If you tried to connect a D-Link client, it would, more than likely, not work. And if it was a Netgear or a Belkin, you could forget interoperability.
For me, I’m still running 802.11b without any problems. Yes it is slower accessing the server, but even video streams fine. When I have to upgrade, I will look at the offerings of Draft N then. Who knows, maybe an upgrade is in the works.
Topics: WiFi |