In return they should get significantly better range and throughput: the upcoming MIMO-based 802.11n standard is designed for theoretical throughput of over 200Mbps and a real-world throughput of at least 100Mbps. 802.11a/g theoretically runs at 54Mbps with real throughput at 25Mbps; 802.11b only realistically handles 5Mbps.
In September, Airgo began sampling a third-generation MIMO chip it says already meets these speed goals. The True MIMO Gen3 chip, which will be shipping in routers, laptops and other devices early next year, has a theoretical data rate of up to 240Mbps and actual throughput of over 120Mbps, says Airgo — faster than most wired Ethernet networks.
Such speeds might sound excessive, but they're needed for particular applications — particularly in the home, to start off with at least. "This is critical for video and consumer electronics, which need the higher throughput for HDTV or high-definition video," says Philip Solis, analyst with ABI Research. "This can also help link up the whole home, where signals typically have to go through multiple walls."
The equipment will also make it easier for users to run multiple services like Internet telephony and video transfer all at the same time. Industry observers believe this level of wireless connectivity will pave the way for new types of enterprise applications as well.
The lack of a standard doesn't worry manufacturers. "There's nothing to lose by shipping the MIMO products before 802.11n," said Airgo chief execuitve Greg Raleigh in a recent report, adding enterprises are "very open" to MIMO today.
Gateway has begun redesigning its notebooks to accommodate the additional antennas required by MIMO chipsets. Samsung is further along — in June the company said it would use Airgo's chipsets in upcoming versions of its X20 and X25 notebooks, instead of the Centrino chip bundle from Intel. Intel, for its part, recently outlined plans for incorporating MIMO into a future Centrino version.
Analysts say the zeal of hardware vendors is understandable, with such a huge market at stake. "When 802.11g products...
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