Intel goes to 802.11n

A few months ago, manufacturers started releasing products based on preliminary versions of the norm 802.11n. Lately, Intel has upgraded the Centrino to MIMO with the WiFi Link 4965AGN, a mini network cards interfaced with PCI-E bus based on the 1.0 version of the norm (the 1.1 version has been published a few days ago).

When it is working with a compatible peripheral, according to Intel, it is able to reach up to 5 times the usual transfer rate (300 Mbits /s … theoretical) and have a range two times bigger than products of the previous generation. Of course, it is also compatible with the 802.11a/b/g norm. Intel also said that the autonomy would be improved compared to current « Draft N » products because of lower power consumption in stand by. The manufacturer announced a very optimistic 1 hour of autonomy.

Several OEM including Acer, Asus, Gateway and Toshiba announced that they would integrate the Next-Gen Wireless-N in new laptop computers. Intel also has announced the release of a program called "Connect With Centrino" in partnership with Asus, Belkin, Buffalo, D-Link and Netgear in partnership with Asus, Belkin, Buffalo, D-Link and Netgear, officially to ensure a compatibility and optimum performances between their WiFi equipments and access points. Some will say that the Santa Clara giant is only covering its back because announcing products based on a pre-version of a norm that will only be finalised in 2008 isn't without risks in terms of interoperability in MIMO modes.