The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has come up with draft specifications for the “N” standard of 802.11 (the formal standard by which WiFi is defined). With this, several companies have announced the availability of chipsets and equipment, as we wrote on earlier
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WiFi “N” is supposed to have faster speeds and a wider range than its predecessors, and will hence be very useful for high-bandwidth applications like high-definition video. However, we still have concerns in purchasing WiFi “N” equipment at this time, even as suppliers are already coming out with these new devices. Consider these before you decide to purchase “N” equipment.

First, the WiFi “N” standard still is in draft. The IEEE might still change details at any time, so your hardware may be rendered obsolete on a few months’ time. Device manufacturers and distributors do claim an upgrade path for the firmware, so this would be all right for advanced users. But, of course, there are the warranty and return policies you can always avail.

Second, they’re expensive. WiFi “N” gadgets, being very new, can be expensive. Wireless “G” devices are becoming more popular and equipment manufacturers are coming up with better models with new features.

Third, you might not need it! If you won’t need the increased speed anyway, better stick to Wireless “G.” If you need the increased range, then there are range extenders available for this particular standard. Also, your broaband Internet connection maxes out at a few Mbps, anyway, so unless you’ll be transmitting videos within your local network, you won’t need the speed increase.

After considering the above, and you still wish to be one of the pioneers, then congratulations! Consider yourself a WiFi junkie—I hope you invite me over sometime so we can watch some high-def videos on your super fast system.