Wireless-N
Q: What is Wireless-N (draft 802.11n)?
A: The 802.11n standard will be the next generation of high-speed Wi-Fi, capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today's most bandwidth-hungry applications like streaming HD (High Definition) video, voice, and music. Currently approved for 2.0 draft status by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) Task Group-N committee, final 802.11n specification is expected to be approved within the next few years.
Q: How does Wireless-N work?
A: Wireless-N uses multiple technologies such as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which utilizes multiple radios to transmit and receive at the same time to maximize wireless networking performance. While MIMO itself is not a standard, it is the underlying technology behind the throughput increase in 802.11n. These multiple radios transmit multiple streams of data called "spatial streams." The higher the number of spatial streams, the higher the throughput. Numerous streams of content can move over the same channel at the same time, multiplying the capacity of each channel. Wireless-N can further double the capacity by optionally using two 20 MHz channels. With MIMO smart antenna technology, strong, weak, and reflected signals are combined into one data stream for maximum range--virtually eliminating dead spots throughout your home or office.
Q: What can I do with Wireless-N?
A: The Wireless-N standard has the speed, range, and capacity to support today's most bandwidth-hungry applications. Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Routers deliver enough speed, range, and reliability to support streaming HD video while simultaneously listening to your digital music collection, making Internet VoIP (Voice over IP) phone calls, and playing multiplayer online games when used with a Wireless-N adapter. Wireless network performance can reach speeds faster than wired Ethernet speeds.*
* Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors lower actual data throughput rate.
Q: Is 802.11n compatible with my existing networking devices?
A: Yes. 802.11n is required to be backwards compatible and interoperable with 802.11b/g devices.
Q: What is Dual-Band Wireless-N?
A: Dual-band technology allows you to operate in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands simultaneously, so it effectively doubles your available wireless bandwidth. You could set up your network to handle time-sensitive gaming, music or video streaming on the less crowded 5 GHz band, and use the 2.4 GHz band for activities like emailing and data transfers.
