What's next for 802.11n?

One of the more controversial elements of Draft 2 of the 802.11n standard is whether one should purchase products based on it today. Analysts are split on this issue.

Those recommending against note that the standard is not finished, and it is possible that the final version of the standard will be significantly different from Draft 2 -- significantly different as in new hardware could be required.

This possibility is unlikely, for two reasons. First, many Draft 2 products are simply upgraded Draft 1 products -- new firmware and software, but that's it. It's therefore likely that compliance with the final standard will be achieved, in many cases, via a similar route. 

But mostly I just sense from conversations with chip and system vendors alike that everyone involved in the process is tired of arguing, and with products certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance available, thereby dealing with the interoperability challenge, it's time to go to market.

While it is possible that future developments in the standard will create an incompatibility, it's highly unlikely.

Of course, newer radio chips will provide in most cases better performance than those upgraded in the field, but investment protection should be in place regardless. And as we saw in these tests, 802.11n is real and the time to benefit from it is now.