One year of 801.11n

Just one year after the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced 802.11n draft 2.0 certification, the upward trajectory of this next-generation Wi-Fi technology continues unabated. Nearly 50% of Wi-Fi chipsets sold this year are expected to adhere to the new draft standard -- double the number from 2007.

To date, the Wi-Fi Alliance has put the Wi-Fi certified seal of approval -- indicating validated product interoperability -- on 325 products and is seeing strong numbers of 802.11n draft 2.0 products presented for testing. Wi-Fi users have responded to the widespread availability of Wi-Fi 802.11n draft 2.0 products with unprecedented enthusiasm. ABI Research forecasts that by 2013, more than 90% of Wi-Fi products will support 802.11n, underscoring the tremendous benefits of advanced Wi-Fi technology and the importance of interoperability certification in delivering the best user experience.

The products which have been Wi-Fi certified to date in the program span both traditional PC networking gear and consumer electronics. Televisions, media servers, and gaming devices are among the products certified in the first year, and nearly half of the products also support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which eases the process of configuring and protecting a home Wi-Fi network. Enterprise network managers can now choose from more 180 Wi-Fi certified laptops, adapter cards, and networking solutions that include 802.11n draft 2.0.

"Across the board, and with a range of consumer and enterprise devices, we are seeing a real hunger for all things 802.11n draft 2.0," said Edgar Figueroa, executive director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "The standard has redefined the wireless experience, enabling streaming video, gaming, and other media throughout the home, while enabling advanced applications in enterprise networks. Wi-Fi certified delivers a great user experience with a wide range of Wi-Fi products."

"Consumers will increasingly demand the performance boost that 802.11n draft 2.0 provides for data-intensive applications, including high definition video." said Phil Solis, principal analyst at ABI Research. "Acceptance by enterprise customers will catch up to that of consumers this year due to the maturity of the technology and the increased availability of enterprise-grade Wi-Fi certified 802.11n draft 2.0 products over the last year."