Wifi Revolution

Now that 802.11n wireless networking standard is official, Meru Networks (News - Alert) is working with Australian IP distributor Wavelink Communications to bring businesses in the Outback up to speed, both companies announced today.

The 802.11n specification, which was first conceptualized in 2002, on Sept. 11 was ratified and published by the I-EEE. Eventually, 802.11n, which is faster and allows for higher throughput, is expected to overtake existing 802.11a and 802.11g Wi-Fi standards.

 

Prior to the official 802.11n publication and ratification, Meru Networks said it installed one of the first 802.11n systems at Morrisville State College.

 

While most legacy systems that use micro-cells with alternating channels, Meru Networks’ WLAN technology reportedly uses proprietary architecture so access points can operate off a single, seamless channel. This eliminates the need for complex coverage surveys and channel planning.

 

A number of other colleges have also followed suit, as student and faculty demand for mobile video and other high-bandwidth services has increased.

 

“We’re seeing a rapid uptake of 802.11n among schools in response to increased funding for technology improvements,” Chris Kozup (News - Alert), senior manager for mobility solutions at networking company Cisco, recently told TMCnet. “With the influx of stimulus funds and e-rate programs, more schools are implementing Wi-Fi. Because schools have longer refresh cycles for technology, schools that are implementing Wi-Fi are looking long-term and choosing to deploy 802.11n.”

Back in the Outback, Jonathan Ordman, director, Wavelink Communications, agreed that the key benefit of 802.11n is greater coverage at much higher speed.

 

“For the first time, users can obtain wired Ethernet network speeds using wireless,” Ordman said. “This now opens the door for bandwidth-hungry applications such as video and voice to be accessed over a wireless connection as if they were being accessed via a wired network.”

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