802.11n: A Menu of Options
The emerging 802.11n specification differs from its predecessors in that it provides
for a variety of optional modes and configurations that dictate different maximum
raw data rates. This enables the standard to provide baseline performance
parameters for all 802.11n devices, while allowing manufacturers to enhance or
tune capabilities to accommodate different applications and price points. With every
possible option enabled, 802.11n could offer raw data rates up to 600 Mbps. But
WLAN hardware does not need to support every option to be compliant with the
standard. In 2006, for example, most draft-n WLAN hardware available is expected
to support raw data rates up to 300 Mbps.
In comparison, every 802.11b-compliant product must support data rates up to 11
Mbps, and all 802.11a and 802.11g hardware must support data rates up to 54 Mbps.