The number of households using Wi-Fi wireless networking technology edged past wired Ethernet homes for the first time in 2004, according to a 2005 study by Parks Associates. But for Wi-Fi to remain competitive, it needs to advance to the next level to be able to handle HDTV and other high-bandwidth content. Enter 802.11n, the next-generation Wi-Fi standard that is expected to receive final IEEE certification by early 2007.

In the works for three years, a draft 802.11n standard was stalled when competing camps in the 802.11n forum couldn’t agree on a number of issues. In fall 2005 Intel, Cisco and Atheros stepped up to create the Enhanced Wireless Consortium (EWC) in an effort to push the proposed standard to ratification.

The stakes are far higher for 802.11n than they were for 802.11g since the standard affects not only computer and networking companies, but consumer electronics, gaming and cellular companies too. Some 30 companies were involved in the ratification of the 802.11g standard, the current de facto standard for home networks. By comparison, roughly 100 companies from across the electronics spectrum want a say in the 802.11n rules.

Wi-Fi 802.11n promises to increase real-world data throughput to more than 100 Mbps, compared with effective throughout of 22 Mbps for 802.11g (raw data rates of 270 Mbps for 802.11n and 54 Mbps for 802.11g are faster than what consumers experience in real-world use).

For consumers, the next-gen standard will offer several improvements over current home networking solutions. The additional bandwidth will, for the first time, enable multiple streams of high-definition TV, a key component of future entertainment-based networking solutions. Also included in the 802.11n draft are improved quality of service (QoS) features, which ensure that packets of data are prioritized for delivery so that voice, music and video applications run smoothly. New features in the standard proposal also allow for simultaneous VoIP phone calls. Overall, 802.11n claims improved operating range that’s three times farther than “g” technology.

With a draft version of 802.11n in place, networking companies are planning product releases for mid-2006, following the same pre-standard rollout pattern they adhered to with 802.11g. PC makers were expected to include 802.11n technology in some PCs beginning this fall in time for the holiday shopping season. How Microsoft’s announced delay of the Vista operating system will affect late 2006 PC design remains to be seen.

When 802.11n products begin reaching stores, consumers will see a variety of differentiating options. Not optional, however, is the need for 802.11n products to provide legacy support for 802.11b, -a, and -g products. Legacy products won’t be obsolete in the “n” age, although they won’t be able to take advantage of the increased range and speed features offered by “n” technology.  

Security is an issue that has nagged the home networking industry as users have been frustrated when trying to set up complicated security protection. According to ABI Research, consumers are aware of the need to protect their networks from outsiders but consider security mechanisms too difficult to master. Buffalo Technology’s AirStation One-touch Secure Set-up (AOSS) solution is one option for simplified security, as are solutions from Broadcom and Atheros. ABI expects that one of the technologies, or some variation or combination of all three, will move through the Wi-Fi Alliance and become an open standard sometime this year.