Promises of the wireless office, networked; by nothing more than radio waves, have been bandied about since the late 1990s. And while wireless investments have been robust, the adoption of the 802.11n wireless LAN standard in the year ahead will likely usher in a new wireless era -- and profitable service opportunities for solution providers.

Now in the early stages of enterprise adoption and already making headway in certain vertical markets, 802.11n promises dramatic increases in wireless throughput and range. The improvements are so substantial that 802.11n may finally put Wi-Fi on par with wired LANs.

The demand is already there, according to Cisco Systems. In September the network giant joined vendors such as Apple Computer, Broadcom, D-Link Systems, Intel, Linksys,Meru Networks and 3Com in releasing its first Wi-Fi certified 802.11n (Draft 2.0) products. "Adoption is certainly moving forward, and volume has ramped up faster than we expected," says Alex Thurber, director of wireless and security for worldwide channels at Cisco.

A New Standard
The 802.11n draft standard improves on earlier 802.11a/b/g standards with its new multiple-input,multiple-output (MIMO) technology. MIMO relies on multiple transmitters and receivers, which make it possible to send and receive multiple data streams simultaneously. This leads to more predictable and reliable highbandwidth coverage.And under optimal circumstances, the technology can deliver up to twice the range and five times the bandwidth of 54-Mbps 802.11g.

The trick, explains Brian Casto, founder and president of wireless solution provider ICI Networks, is getting 11n performance to "optimal" levels -- one of several areas where solution providers can add value. "Achieving the best possible bandwidth takes careful planning and a detailed site survey," says Casto, "so that access points and networking equipment can be positioned where they will do the most good."

In addition to the site survey, complexities could arise from the bandwidth demands of the planned network applications, interference from multiple wireless RF interference -- all promising service opportunities.

Where 802.11n Fits
11n is most appealing in environments. that increasingly depend on high-bandwidth mobile applications such as voice over Wi-Fi or video. The standard is also a viable replacement for wired LANs where cable isn’t practical. And certain industries, such as the military, healthcare and manufacturing, should embrace 11n because of the premium they put on reliable, high-speed mobility.

Casto advises focusing on clients' application plans, rather than simply pushing faster throughput. "It's the application bandwidth that always dictates which solution makes sense," he says.

If video, voice or other high-bandwidth applications are on the road map, or if quality of service is crucial, 802.11n could be the answer. "It really allows wireless connectivity to approach par with wired," says Cisco's Thurber. "That's the Holy Grail we've been seeking."