The latest craze in Wi-Fi is the new wireless standard called 802.11n, a next gen form of 802.11b/g. It promises to be fully backward compatible with all the previous wireless networks. So, what’s the risk in buying Wireless N capable products now? Simple - 802.11n doesn’t exist yet.

It’s been booming for just over a year now the promise of wider-band, higher-speed wireless networks capable of passing high-def entertainment. It’s a compelling argument for an upgrade to your Wi-Fi network. Many people buying wireless routers might be tempted to buy the Wireless N flavor for a few extra dollars. The trouble is that Wireless N isn’t finished yet. The standard is predicted to be ratified by the Wi-Fi Alliance sometime in 2009.

This means that current Wireless N products are only Draft N certified, not full Wireless N. Sure, you can trust the manufacturers who are trying to sell you Draft N Wi-Fi gear with promises that Wireless N will be identical to Draft N when it arrives. While you’re at it… ask your doctor about Stonedixol, the little pill that’ll make your life all right again, like it used to be.

Draft N equipment has been selling since early 2006 and there were serious problems. Early Draft N routers by brands like Buffalo and Netgear couldn’t even communicate with each other. An independent wireless tech advisory group stated that these early products were released prematurely.

Last year, a respected name in the wireless industry Cisco Systems denounced the use of Draft N products for its enterprise customers, although it had no problem selling Draft N through its consumer arm Linksys. The smart money was on following Cisco’s enterprise lead. If it’s not ready for Cisco’s big name clients that’s a good indication it’s just not ready.

Even Cisco relented in Sept ‘07 and put forth a line of Draft N products. Draft N mania took Cisco by surprise and the company had to bend to demand according to spokespeople from the company. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.

We’ve seen new versions and standards adopted prematurely before. From HDTV, HDCP and high-def disc formats Blu-ray and HD DVD, early adopters get burned over and over.

Conventional wisdom states: Don’t buy a car in its first year of production. Don’t install version 1.0. And never – EVER buy into an incomplete standard.

Tags: Wi-Fi

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 at 10:24 am and is filed under Accessories, Audio, Video. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.