Anyone who's spent even a modest amount of time with the 802.11n spec can testify that the new Wi-Fi standard has legs. Multiple Input Multiple Output technology, channel bonding, and payload optimization have resulted in performance that's five times greater (and with twice the range) than 802.11g. Because of this increased efficiency, businesses and consumers have flocked to 802.11n in droves to handle their productivity and entertainment tasks-and the adoption rate for the technology looks to be quite promising.

 

Last week Ubicom shipped its one millionth StreamEngine processor in the calendar year 2007, revealing the demand for the blazing-fast 802.11n draft standard. The company began shipping 802.11n-compatible devices in 2006 and estimates that it will ship more than two million components to leading wireless vendors by the end of the year.

 

So why are OEMs such as D-Link and Linksys including Ubicom's chips in their routers? Ubicom's n-processors operate at the 5-GHz frequency to avoid interference from neighboring wireless signals. The other differentiator StreamEngine, a patent-pending technology that identifies and prioritizes real-time interactive communications such as VoIP, instant messaging, and gaming. This "Intelligent Stream Handling" also minimizes the impact of lower-priority data on latency-sensitive traffic, eliminating the delays caused by DSL or cable modem connections.

 

"802.11n is an excellent addition to the digital lifestyle," said Keith Morris, vice president of marketing for Ubicom. "Whether you're streaming photos, music, or home movies, you'll see a consistently smooth and stable experience." This isn't just marketing hype; StreamEngine-powered routers like the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router have performed like champs in our wireless tests.

 

Ubicom estimates that by the end of 2008, 802.11n will be embedded in nearly 80 percent of Wi-Fi-enabled devices.