Products adhering to IEEE 802.11n, the most recent revision to the standard, have the potential to transfer data at a rate up to ten times faster than those adhering to IEEE 802.11g, the previous wireless networking standard.
Manufacturers are instructed by the 802.11n standard on how to design their products in a way that ensures compatibility with those of other manufacturers.
Additionally, the IEEE 802.11n standard makes sure that newer products can still be used with older ones.
The range of 802.11n can reach three times that of wireless g.
The two frequency bands that 802.11n standard devices can use to operate are 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
802.11n standard devices can reduce their data rate to improve the quality of the connection when the data quality deteriorates.
Products that adhere to the 802.11n standard are very secure.
As more and more new generation devices connect to existing networks and activities like high-speed interactive gaming and streaming music and video become more popular, 802.11n has been designed to meet the anticipated demand for faster access to more data.
An 802.11n access point can cover a large area, such as public areas in airports, and the 802.11n standard can support a wide range of network sizes, from small home WLANs to large enterprise networks.
802.11ac: Only operates in the 5 GHz frequency range.
802.11n: Uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands for operation.
802.11ac: Supports up to 8 spatial streams and makes use of beamforming technology for improved signal directionality.
802.11n: Lacks explicit beamforming but supports up to 4 spatial streams using MIMO technology.
802.11ac: 802.11ac supports higher data transfer rates of up to several gigabits per second (Gbps).
802.11n: Slower than 802.11ac, it supports data transfer rates of up to 600 Mbps.
802.11ac: Provides a longer range than 802.11n, especially when beamforming is used.
In ideal circumstances, an 802.11n Wi-Fi network connection can support up to 300 Mbps of rated theoretical bandwidth.
Wireless-N broadband routers and network adapters need to be connected and operating in a mode known as channel bonding mode in order for an 802.11n connection to function at its fastest possible rate.
In comparison to 802.11b/g, 802.11n uses bonding to simultaneously use two adjacent Wi-Fi channels to double the wireless link bandwidth.
Because channel bonding uses more spectrum and power, there is a greater chance that it will interfere with neighboring Wi-Fi networks.
Channel bonding is typically not enabled by default in 802.11n products.
The process for setting up channel bonding differs based on the product.
For the following reasons, 802.11n equipment may eventually be unable to operate in the maximum (300 Mbps) performance range:
