802.11n Video Primer

These short videos explain the acronyms and terminology of 802.11n, breaking down 802.11n's promised 10x performance gain by feature and presenting upgrade paths for mixed-mode and Greenfield environments.

802.11n is driving a major shift from locally available point solutions to widely distributed, highly available access for all types of applications. Unfortunately, while the 802.11n specification has been ratified since 2009, many of its capabilities remain an enigma, especially for those who don't have the time or inclination for a semester-long course in RF. And let's face it, that shouldn't be required when deploying 802.11 equipment.

Watch the videos below to better understand key 802.11n features. Regardless of whether you are starting from scratch with your wireless deployment (a Greenfield Deployment) or introducing 11n equipment into an existing wireless LAN utilizing 802.11 a/b/g technology, Jay Botelho, Director of Product Management, demystifies the labyrinth of acronyms and new terminology you're facing. You will also learn how each feature impacts your network performance and which features are recommended for Greenfield vs. mixed-mode environments.

Download these free wireless kits:

802.11n Primer

Get this kit to understand which 802.11n features are tried and true, and determine which are right for you.

Wireless Essentials Pack

Get everything you need to pinpoint rogue access points and perform real-time multi-channel and roaming latency analysis.

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  MIMO

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  Channel Bonding

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  A-MSDU and A-MPDU

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  Block ACK



 


MIMO

Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) is the most important - and most visible - capability of 802.11n. With 802.11n, multipath is leveraged to send multiple, independent data streams, up to 4, simultaneously, each coming into its own transmit and receiving antenna (one set).

 


Channel Bonding

Channel bonding doubles your effective data rate by creating a single 40 MHz channel from two adjacent 20 MHz channels in both the 2.4 or 5 GHz band. Learn how you can interrupt and cause interference with your neighbor's wireless transmissions and why it's best avoided in mixed environments.

 


A-MSDU and A-MPDU

Access points determine who can receive aggregated packets. Recognize the differences between A-MSDU and A-MPDU, and if allowed by your access point, which type to choose.

 


Block ACK

Depending on your access point, you may or may not see block acknowledgements (Block ACK or BA), which are available with A-MPDU aggregation. Understand how Block ACK can significantly reduce management overhead and improve MAC efficiency.

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  SGI and Beam Forming

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  3-Stream

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  Performance Impacts

• 

  Upgrade Guide



 


SGI and Beam Forming

Learn what short guard interval (SGI) and beam forming are. See how a change to SGI, if supported by your access point, can improve performance 11%, and why you might want to stay away from beam forming for the time being.

 


3-Stream

Learn the secret of "NxM" which defines each Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) system. Confidently translate 3x3:2 into transmit antenna and receive antenna pairs and spatial streams, and recognize performance limits in commercially available equipment.

 


802.11n - Understanding How Each Feature Impacts Performance

MIMO, channel bonding, block acknowledgements, aggregation, short guard interval, and beam forming all affect the performance of your wireless network. Discover how a factor of 10 performance improvement over 802.11ag is possible with 802.11n and whether or not you can see this improvement in your environment.

 


802.11n - Deciding What's Important When You Upgrade

802.11n includes many brand new technologies for achieving 10x performance improvements. If you're planning a wireless upgrade, how do you know which features are tried and true in the marketplace, and which are right for you?