Wireless networking has become so common in the average household; virtually everyone is connected to the internet wirelessly with their laptops, game consoles, and other devices. More recently, it's become important for users to have the speed to stream large quantities of data - either for HD video, VoIP, online gaming, or all at the same time. On the existing standard, 802.11g, these activities can be tough with the lower speed thresholds. Wireless-N networking promises to solve some of these issues.

What will Wireless-N do for me?

Overall, Wireless-N has been shown to display real world speeds of almost twice that of Wireless-G and enhance range by almost double what that standard can provide, so you can get the most out of your system. The enhanced speed will allow you to have the best and fastest connections for your HD video streams, internet phone connections, and online games. The enhanced range and decreased interference will make in-home connectivity easier and faster. If you're wondering how Wireless-N does this, read on!

MIMO

Wireless-N utilizes MIMO, also known as "Multiple Input, Multiple Output." Multiple receiving and transmitting antennae can be used (rather than just one) to utilize separate streams of data at the same time. Not only will you get better range, but data will be transmitted at a higher rate. This comes into play especially when large amounts of data are being transmitted from multiple sources.

Multiple Channels

The 802.11n standard can use two channels at once. Both can send and receive data, and this increases the data transmission rate. In addition, 802.11n can take advantage of the 5 GHz band to reduce interference and supply better connections and range.

Compatibility

One of the things about Wireless-N that many will take for granted is that it will live comfortably with other network devices in your home, such as your 802.11a, b, and g devices; they will not interfere with each other. This means that integrating Wireless-N will be much easier for many users.

Follow the links below to see how you can use this great new technology in your own home!

More Information on NETGEAR's Wireless-N Networking Kit

Wi-Fi.org - The Wi-Fi Alliance