The Wi-Fi Alliance said today it will not certify data rate enhancement features based on the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11n amendment to the 802.11 wireless LAN standard until the standard is ratified. No IEEE 802.11n products exist, and none are expected to until the standard is completed in about two years.
The Wi-Fi Alliance wants to eliminate any customer confusion and says it will revoke the Wi-Fi certification of any product with claims of IEEE 802.11n capabilities if that product is proven to adversely impact the interoperability of other Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products.
"Pre-standard products always present an inherent risk for technology adopters, and that is why we will not certify 802.11n products until the IEEE standard is finalized," says Wi-Fi Alliance Managing Director Frank Hanzlik.
Gartner's Ken Dulaney, an analyst covering wireless LANs, says, "Vendors took advantage of unsuspecting buyers when they touted pre-standard technology for 802.11g that later did not meet the standard. Left unchecked, the industry is unfortunately poised to repeat itself with 802.11n. …We intend to support the organization's stance using the full power of our influence with our clients."
