The upcoming 802.11n standard is sweeping the wireless world like a prairie fire. Before we know what we’re dealing with, however, we need to clear the smoke.

Explosive growth in Wi-Fi devices means that every one of us now depends on a wireless network. From home controls to public service systems, business operations to educational and entertainment endeavors, a switch to new wireless standards means putting a lot at risk.  So much is riding on wireless technologies now that a new standard will have to promise to be just as predictable and compatible as it is fast.

In the Wi-Fi wireless arena, the 802.11b standard gave us a quality level we came to expect. Then the 802.11g standard helped spark the expansion of wireless devices into every corner of our lives.

Enter the new 802.11n standard. It promises a throughput increase from 400% up to 1000% greater than the standards in use today. This translates into expanded capabilities in range and data transfer to Wi-Fi devices.  Currently, there’s an 802.11n Draft 2.0 that most manufacturers have adopted. They are so sure of this new Draft 2.0 that they’ve been aggressively pushing wireless gear with the new capabilities.  Most have dropped the “Draft 2.0” from their product descriptions so these devices are known as 802.11n.  Along with astounding claims, there are a lot of unanswered questions being asked by manufacturers, industry media, dealers, and consumers. What can 802.11n Draft 2.0 actually deliver in terms of performance, compatibility, and future upgrades?

In this paper you will learn specifics about the 802.11n wireless protocol.