802.11n: Look Before You Leap

Key considerations for moving to 802.11n

By Motorola
Published 2008, Posted February 2009

Abstract:

With the introduction of 802.11n, the field of wireless local area networks (WLANs) is undergoing a paradigm shift as phenomenal as the beginning of WLANs themselves. The extraordinary data rates that the final 802.11n standard will support solidify the realization of an all-wireless enterprise network. Rich multimedia applications will be seamlessly streamed to every point in a facility at better performance than possible with legacy 802.11a/b/g technologies.

But the question remains, "How do you plan a high performance 802.11n network?" Despite continual attention from WLAN equipment vendors and endless discussion about the benefits of 802.11n, no one has adequately explained how 802.11n network planning works and, perhaps more importantly, how it doesn’t work! "How can I reap the maximum benefit from a clean-slate 802.11n implementation?", "What happens if I simply rip-and-replace access points (APs) when migrating my existing network to 802.11n?", "How would I best pursue a phased-migration to 802.11n?"

In this paper, we will explain the 802.11n basics necessary for answering these questions, and provide guidance to help you choose the best strategy for your organization.