The promise of improved performance and speed from the next generation of Wi-Fi, 802.11n, eventually should be an incredible benefit to home and business wireless network users. The speed of 802.11n will make current wireless networking standards seem as though they’re working through a strong headwind. 802.11n will be key in developing home networks, such as allowing for the sharing of high-def files among components on the network.
There’s much to like about 802.11n, other than one problem: the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) may not ratify the final specification until the second half of 2007. Until then, those wanting 802.11n have two choices: 1) Wait 2) Purchase “pre-standard” equipment, gain some of the benefits of 802.11n now, and hope that the hardware will still work with the final standard.
It’s your standard risk-reward question: Is the risk of whether the new technology will work as expected in the future worth the reward of spending money on it now?




