Thursday, September 06, 2007

Cisco launches 802.11n Wireless Access Point

Yesterday Cisco launched its first 802.11n-based Ethernet access point (AP), the Aironet 1250. This is based on the 802.11n draft 2 which is currently being standardized and will offer 300 Mbps of wireless access connectivity. Moreover, the access point can be powered by wired Ethernet which avoids having power installations at the deployment point. This product is priced at $1299.

I also read a recent research group report which projected that by 2010 most of wired ethernet in LANs will be replaced by 802.11n technology. I am not so sure. While wireless has the advantage of ubiquity, it still lacks consistant steady performance and security. For example, I see a marked difference between viewing video over my home 802.11g network and with a direct ethernet connection. And the issue is not of bandwidth, 54 Mbps is far more than what my DSL provides.

I am also sure that wired ethernet will be dominant in corporate LANs. Dont think a business can imagine it crucial data floating in the air :)

I have also been having some connectivity issues in my home wireless network, and would be glad if any of you could leave a comment on how to solve it. I live in a densely populated area. There are at least 20 wireless networks around my area. When I switch on my laptop it often has problems connecting to my wireless network. It takes quite a bit of time, sometimes 15-20 minutes before I get connectivity. I suspect it is because of running out of wireless channels in the 801.11g frquency domain. Any thoughts?

1 comment:

Phikshun said...

Use 802.11a. Or use 802.11n in the 5GHz band. Dlink has such a product here:

http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=643

But you'll still need a client adapter that runs 802.11n in the 5GHz band, to which there are few. The Intel 4965AGN is the only I know of so far.