The A to Z of wireless

N is for 802.11n

802.11n is a proposed amendment to the 802.11 wi-fi networking standard. Colloquially at least, the n stands for 'next generation' - as the standard will bring faster networks, which have greater coverage and boast more bandwidth than their predecessors, the 802.11g networks.

Demand for video streaming and wireless VoIP are two key drivers for 802.11n and analyst house Gartner is tipping the standard as 'one to watch' - because of its disruptive potential to enable the all-wireless office.

"802.11n is the first wi-fi technology to offer performance on a par with the 100Mbps Ethernet commonly used for wired connections to office PCs. It is, therefore, an enabler for the all-wireless office, and should be considered by companies equipping new offices or replacing older 802.11a/b/g systems in 2009 and 2010," the analyst has said.

The 802.11n amendment incorporates Mimo (multiple-input multiple-output) technology - use of multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver sites - to boost data throughput rates.

Although 802.11n won't be finalised until 2010, some wireless kit makers already have products based on the draft 802.11n spec.