iTechNote

I am sure you are familiar with terms like “wireless”, “hotspot” and “Wi-Fi”. If you know a bit technical details, you might know “802.11a”, “802.11b/g” and “channels”. Yes, you are right! 802.11n is just another amendment to the 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (LANs) for better throughput and range.

Intel has begun shipping 802.11n compatible wireless networking module, a key component of next generation Centrino due in April with a code name Santa Rosa. Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN will consume less power according to Channel Register UK, yielding an extra hour of battery life to notebook users. The module has a data throughput of 270Mbps, half of the maximum data rate.

Surprisingly, the module is based on the draft specifications of 802.11n. The latest draft approved on 19 January this year is version 1.10. The official time line for 802.11n shows final IEEE publish date of October 2008. The final working group approval is scheduled on July 2008.

802.11n builds upon previous 802.11 standards by adding MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output). MIMO uses multiple transmitter and receiver antennas to allow for increased data throughput and range. 802.11n has to live with the design limits of 802.11b because of its popularity according to George Ou @ ZDnet. 802.11n’s choice of 2.4GHz radio frequency limits itself to only three non-interfering channels 1, 6 and 11.

If you take into account legacy compatibilities (802.11b/g), 802.11n is capped at approximately half of its actual potential, which explains why the data throughput of Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN is only 270Mbps.

No chipset or wireless gear product maker will guarantee compatibility with the final version of 802.11n for the current draft products. They will offer firmware upgrade when the final 802.11n is released. For example, Apple has published a list of compatible Mac and offers update to 802.11n via enabler software.

Intel, as a chipset maker is doing much more to ensure compatibility and performance. Intel has initiated “Connect with Centrino” program that put a sticker on wireless gears that have passed rigorous testing criteria. Major names such as Netgear and D-Link have embraced the program.

Intel has also published an article (PDF format) of building home wireless N network (aka 802.11n network) in just 4 steps:

• Start by purchasing a new wireless N AP/router, which you can find at most computer stores. Look for “Connect with Centrino” logo (as shown above) on the box.
• You’ll also need a home broadband Internet service.
• Attach your broadband connection to the wireless N AP/router.
• Configure security settings on your Centrino laptop. Protect your wireless network by following manufacturer’s instructions to setup WPA or WEP security. The WPA standard is more secure and preferred over WEP.