What Is Wireless-N?
Wireless-N draft 802.11n version 1.0A: The 802.11n standard will be the next generation of high-speed Wi-Fi, capable of delivering the range and capacity to support today’s most bandwidth-hungry applications, like streaming HD (High Definition) video, voice and music. Currently approved for 1.0 draft status by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) Task Group-N committee, final 802.11n specification is expected to be approved in 2008.

How does Wireless-N work?
Wireless-N uses multiple technologies such as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which utilizes multiple radios to transmit and receive at the same time to maximize wireless networking performance. While MIMO itself is not a standard, it is the underlying technology behind the throughput increase in 802.11n. These multiple radios transmit multiple streams of data called “spatial streams.” The higher the number of spatial streams, the higher the throughput. Numerous streams of content can move over the same channel at the same time, multiplying the capacity of each channel. Wireless-N can further double the capacity by optionally using two 20MHz channels. With smart antenna technology, strong, weak and reflected signals are combined into one data stream for maximum range–virtually eliminating dead spots throughout your home or office.

What can I do with Wireless-N?
The Wireless-N gigabit router (WRT310N) and Wireless-N broadband router (WRT160N) delivers enough speed, range and reliability to support streaming HD video while simultaneously listening to your digital music collection, making Internet VoIP (Voice over IP) phone calls, and playing multiplayer online games when used with the Linksys Wireless-N laptop adapter (WPC300N). Wireless network performance can reach speeds faster than wired Ethernet speeds.*

* Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors lower actual data throughput rate

Is 802.11n compatible with my existing networking devices?
Yes. 802.11n is required to be backward compatible and interoperable with 802.11b/g devices.