Wireless networks on verge of makeover

updated 4:08 p.m. ET June 2, 2005

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The technology behind wireless data networks in homes and businesses is on the verge of a makeover that promises to fix long-standing complaints of spotty coverage, flaky connections and inconsistent speeds.

The next generation of Wi-Fi will be so powerful that it's expected to be capable of carrying everything from Internet phone calls and music to high-definition television streams over the airwaves without a hiccup.

Problem is, the standard technically known as 802.11n does not yet exist. Not even a draft has been approved.

In fact, the final 802.11n specifications aren't expected to receive an official nod until late next year at the earliest.

But that has not stopped the makers of access points, networking cards and other wireless gear from launching a parade of products that claim the benefits and even the underlying technologies of the still-to-be-defined 802.11n.

The situation is setting a new standard for market confusion — even in an industry that plasters its boxes with claims of unobtainable speeds, fuzzy math and a dizzying collection of acronyms. Some products are labeled "Pre N," which some believe might lead consumers to think the equipment is upgradeable to actual 802.11n.

"It's misleading the poor consumers," said Ken Dulaney, an analyst at the research firm Gartner Inc. "They walk into these technology emporiums and they're just snowed under by all this stuff that doesn't mean anything."

Meanwhile, equipment and chip makers are accusing each other of stealing names, breaking standards and causing interference with existing Wi-Fi networks. The companies also report that rivals' gear doesn't work well with equipment based on existing standards — though independent reviews indicate interoperability at least in slower modes.

The Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry group that certifies wireless products to ensure they work together, refuses to review any products for 802.11n interoperability until there's actually a standard approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

"We just feel that there are too many moving parts," said Frank Hanzlik, the alliance's managing director.

Currently, two draft proposals are battling it out before the IEEE. At a meeting last month in Australia, one of the proposals failed to get enough votes to become the draft standard.

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