The future of networking arrives early
DraftN: better coverage, wider bandwidth — and faster than wired
Why use DraftN?
We're moving faster. Files are getting bigger. And we need wireless that can keep up. That's why we're excited about the next wave in wireless, draft 802.11n (or "Draft N" for short). Draft N can gracefully handle wider content streams than can 802.11g. And better yet, Draft N can handle several of these streams simultaneously. Handling so much content requires serious speed, and Draft N has it. In fact, it has up to 12 times the speed of standard 802.11g (or "G" for short). Draft N devices are able to download up to 150 MP3 files or upload up to 900 digital photos in one minute--that's even faster than a wired Ethernet connection!
In addition to speed, Draft N provides wide, reliable coverage. Draft N employs MIMO and smart-antenna technologies to quadruple the range of 802.11g, providing strong, clear signals in areas that were once entirely out of reach. And if you live to multitask, double-wide channels nearly double the capacity that you can transmit over each channel. These enhancements let you share large files, play lag-free games, enjoy multi-channel surround-sound audio and stream high-definition video--all at the same time. Ready to satisfy your need for speed? Read on to learn more about Draft N.
How DraftN works
If you've been looking at wireless for a while, you've already seen the term, "MIMO", which stands for "multi-in, multi-out." Draft N devices work faster by using MIMO to send and receive multiple signals at the same time. Speed isn't the only benefit. Being able to read multiple signals is also a big help over longer distances. Signals reflect as they bump into walls and floors. MIMO uses these reflections in places that could give G devices some trouble. MIMO signals are also stronger than single signals--they carry farther, giving Draft N devices up to four times the range of G.
Draft N devices further strengthen signals by using smart antennae. These antennae sense interference and cleverly switch to cleaner channels, improving signal clarity.
Another difference between G and Draft N is the use of double-wide channels. Draft N features 40MHz channels that nearly double the bandwidth of older 22MHz channels. Doubling the wireless capacity enables you to handle multiple streams of content. When you combine the performance of MIMO, the clarity of smart antennae and the robust bandwidth of double-wide channels, you get superior wireless--that's Draft N.
Compatible with older devices
If you already have a wireless network with G wireless, you may be wondering what happens when an older device tries to read a Draft N signal. You may also be wondering if new Draft N devices have to slow down for the older ones. Don't worry. You'll like the answers.
Draft N requires mixed-mode operation and backward-compatibility. This means that Draft N devices will work with G (or B) devices while maintaining optimized speeds for both. When a Draft N device using MIMO talks to an older model, it adjusts to transmit just one perfectly readable signal. When two Draft N devices talk, they exchange data at full speed without having to slow down for older devices in the network. Today's Draft N devices can even help older devices work faster. Every time a smart antenna switches to a channel with less interference, any and all networked devices benefit from the improved signal.
Is DraftN right for you?
Maybe you're ready to upgrade and you're wondering if Draft N is right for you. These devices are able to transfer data to each other at rates of up to 300Mbps--nearly six times the maximum speed of G. Over longer distances or in areas with obstacles, the difference is even greater. Between separate areas or floors of a large building, Draft N can provide as much as four times the range of G and as much as 12 times the speed. So if you transfer large files or if you work in hard to reach areas, Draft N might just be perfect for you.
We should note that Draft N will almost certainly--but not definitely--be fully compatible with tomorrow's N devices.* But remember, the release date for N won't arrive until 2007 or later. Your files, music, games and movies are ready now. And today's Draft N has the speed to get them to you--faster than ever before.
* All references to N reflect the current draft of standards, not the final standards. Wireless networking companies intend that all Draft N devices will be fully compatible with, or upgradeable to, the eventual N standards. Until these standards are finally ratified, however, both the specifications and levels of compatibility are subject to change.