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Wireless networks: Are we there yet?Ken Doyle
Technology improvements have been, in large part, driven by carefully crafted standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Task Group for wireless networking. Among them are the 802.11 standards, a series of technical specifications that define how wireless networking devices communicate with each other. In much the same way that builders have to follow a code when building a house, wireless equipment manufacturers must ensure that their devices follow the applicable 802.11 standards after they have been ratified by the IEEE. In May, the IEEE sent the current 802.11n draft standard back to the drawing board -- only 47 percent of the group's members voted to approve the draft (a 75 percent majority is needed for the draft to be ratified). The 802.11n standard promises wireless network speeds of up to a theoretical maximum of 540 Mbps (megabits per second). In comparison, although wired networks can reach gigabit speeds of 1,000 Mbps, many corporate networks are still using 10 or 100 Mbps segments. At present, the 802.11n draft appears likely to be finalized by July 2007, after considerable changes are made. Although many 802.11 standards exist, three of them are in common use today: 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. Most current corporate wireless networks, although still in the minority compared to traditional wired networks, are built using 802.11g, or "Wireless G," hardware for speed and enhanced security. A key feature of the current 802.11n draft is the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. This technology uses several transmitter and receiver antennas to allow for increased data throughput by "multiplexing" the wireless signals. An added benefit that MIMO brings to 802.11n is an increased range, compared to 802.11b and 802.11g. Both these features make 802.11n-based networks an attractive option for corporate networks. However, the technology is still immature, given that the standard has not been finalized. The lack of approval for the 802.11n draft hasn't stopped manufacturers from promoting "pre-N" hardware, however. Initial testing of these products by publications such as eWeek (www.eweek.com) and PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com) showed that, although they have potential, there are considerable problems with interference both from and to 802.11g and 802.11b networks. As a result, throughput falls well short of the maximum speed promised by the manufacturers, and frequent dropouts can be expected. Of even greater concern, current equipment probably will not be compatible with the final version of the 802.11n standard. Wireless networking technology makes a lot of sense for companies of all sizes, especially for the cost savings that can result; however, if your business is considering deployment of a wireless network, it would definitely be worth waiting for final approval of the 802.11n standard. Meanwhile, 802.11g technology has matured to the point where it can be easily integrated into existing wired networks, if not replace them entirely. madison.com ©2009 Capital Newspapers. All rights reserved. |
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