Abstract
The emerging IEEE802.11n standard is certain to enhance wireless
communications for businesses and consumers of all types. It promises the
speed comparative with wireline Fast Ethernet speed and higher, and the range
higher than other 802.11 devices able to support. For the system builder, that
translates into lower hardware expenditures for both internal wiring and
access points.
The 802.11n standard is still in the development form. A final standard is not
likely to be released by the IEEE until late 2008, or even 2009. At the time
of this report writing, the latest Draft of this standard is Draft 4; WiFI
Alliance created a certification program for the WiFi devices, including
802.11n, which are certified as per Draft 2 of this standard.
Currently, the 802.11n vendors have already created an industry, which
analyzed in this report. Both chipset and platform manufacturers are working
hard to reach the 802.11n evolving market.
2007 was the first year when 802.11n products contributed sizably in the total
WiFi market. Prognoses for 2008 are even more encouraging: nearly 50% of Wi-Fi
chipsets on a market in 2008 are expected to adhere to the new draft standard
- double the number from 2007. The industry progress assured this standard
longevity, even with the existing history of a very long and difficult
standardization process in the IEEE. The Wi-Fi Alliance has put the Wi-Fi
certified seal of approval - indicating validated product interoperability -
on 325 products and is seeing strong numbers of 802.11n draft 2.0 products
presented for testing
This report emphasizes the importance of 802.11n technology for both
businesses and consumers in the developing communications infrastructure.
The report details technological and marketing properties of the 802.11n
technology. This technology allows a quantum jump from the 802.11 a/b/g
devices features to wireless communications compatible with the existing wired
products delivering Fast Ethernet. Several technological advances (MIMO and
others) made it possible to support communications in the multipath
environment with speed up to 600 Mb/s for distances exceeding 802.11 a/b/g
technologies ranges. Initial data shows that 802.11n devices will be also
cost-efficient.
It is the authors' opinion that already in the near future 802.11n products
will dominate the PC, home and Enterprise market (though currently 802.11n
standard penetration into home networking is not more than 4%-6%). 2010-2012
will be years of gradual diminishing of the 802.11 a, b, g markets in favor of
the 802.11n segment.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various
Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing
and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and
interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives.
In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were
used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including
industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and
relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the
information content.
Target Audience
This report is important to a wide population of researches, technical and
sales staff involved in the developing of high-speed wireless services and
products. It is recommended for both service providers and vendors that are
working with related technologies. The report also helps to understand issues
associated with relationship between 802.11n and other technologies.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 General
- 1.2 IEEE802.11
- 1.3 Scope
- 1.4 Research Methodology
- 1.5 Target Audience
2.0 WLAN Standardization
- 2.1 History- Phased Approach
- 2.2 802.11n Status
- 2.3 Enhanced Wireless Consortium (EWC)
- 2.4 Standard Enhancement
- 2.4.1 Draft v. 1.0
- 2.4.2 Draft v. 2.0
- 2.4.3 Draft v.3.0-v. 4.0
- 2.5 WiFi Alliance
3.0 802.11n Technology
- 3.1 Advanced Technologies: MIMO and Others
- 3.1.1 General
- 3.1.2 MIMO
- 3.1.2.1 Directions
- 3.1.2.1.1 “True MIMO”
- 3.1.2.1.2 BeamFlex
- 3.1.2.1.3 Atheros
- 3.1.3 Spatial Multiplexing
- 3.1.4 OFDM
- 3.1.5 Channel Bonding
- 3.1.6 Packet Aggregation
4.0 Features
- 4.1 Specifics
- 4.2 Channel Bandwidth
- 4.3 Security
- 4.4 Adaptation
5.0 Benefits and Applications
- 5.1 Benefits
- 5.2 Applications
6.0 Market
- 6.1 General: Drivers
- 6.2 Market Forecast
- 6.2.1 Model Assumptions
- 6.2.2 Forecast
- 6.2.2.1 Chipsets
- 6.2.2.2 Equipment
7.0 Industry Players
- Aruba (AP)
- Asus (Router)
- Atheros (Chipsets)
- Buffalo (Router, AP)
- Belkin (Router, Adaptors)
- Broadcom (Chipsets)
- Cisco (AP)
- Colubris (AP)
- D-Link (Router)
- Encore (Adapter)
- Edimax (Router, Adapter)
- Extreme (AP)
- Extricom (AP)
- Gemtek (Router)
- Hitachi
- Intel (Chipsets)
- Linksys (Routers)
- Marvell (Chipsets)
- Meru (Family of Products)
- Metalink (Chipsets)
- Motorola
- NEC (Router)
- Netgear (Router, AP)
- RedPine (Chipsets)
- Ruckus (AP)
- Ralink (Chipsets)
- Qualcomm (Chipsets)
- Siemens (AP)
- SiGe (Chipsets)
- TopCom (Router)
- Trapeze (Controller)
- TrendNet (Routers, AP)
- ZyXel (AP, Router, Adapter)
8.0 Conclusions
FIGURES:
- Figure 1: Evolution
- Figure 2: Basic two-antenna MIMO system with two-stream SDM example
- Figure 3: 802.11 Protocol Family MAC Frame Structure
- Figure 4: Addressable Market: Worldwide WiFi Chipsets Shipping (Unit M)
- Figure 5: Addressable Market: 802.11n Chipsets Worldwide Shipping (Unit M)
- Figure 6; Addressable Market: WiFi Chipsets Worldwide Shipping ($B)
- Figure 7: Addressable Market: 802.11n Chipsets Worldwide Shipping ($B)
- Figure 8: Market Geography: 802.11 Chipsets Production
- Figure 9: Market Estimate: 802.11n Equipment Shipping ($B)
- Figure 10: Addressable Market: 802.11n Equipment Sales (Unit M)
TABLES:
- Table 1: IEEE 802.11a Standard Major Characteristics
- Table 2: IEEE 802.11b Standard Major Characteristics
- Table 3: IEEE 802.11g Standard Major Characteristics
- Table 4: 802.11 Standards Characteristics
- Table 5: Comparison of Different 802.11 Members Transfer Rates
