New wireless networking standard gets approval

A new standard for the wireless networking of computers and other devices has been approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The 802.11n standard has been under discussion in one form or another since September 2002 but this is the first time it has been officially certified. Despite that, most manufacturers of wireless network equipment have already released devices based on a draft version of the standard.

The IEEE looks after computer networking standards around the world, but has come under criticism from manufacturers because of the amount of time it has taken to make a decision about the next generation of wireless networking products.

Devices that use the 802.11n standard can transfer data up to six times more quickly than those using the earlier and more common 802.11g. It also offers data transfer over a longer range.

According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, a trade association of manufacturers of wireless networking products, devices that have been certified as 'draft-n' by members will work with devices produced under the new full version of the standard.