802.11n Wi-Fi Facing Endless Delays Over Patent Issues
Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:48AM EDT
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It's a good rule of thumb in tech: The longer a technology remains on the market, and the more useful it is, the longer it takes to be upgraded as time wears on. The latest technology to face this effect: Wi-Fi, with the 802.11n upgrade facing continued hurdles to finally being ratified.
802.11n is the fourth major version of the wireless networking technology known as Wi-Fi. Originally announced in January 2004, the technology has been adopted in its "draft" form by many vendors, but finalization and ratification is still nowhere close to being done. Some estimates put 802.11n's final stamp of approval well into 2009, a lifetime in the world of high-tech.
One of the big hangups now involves, of course, patents. A group called the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) owns some patents that cross into 802.11n's world. And the CSIRO has not promised not to sue anyone who develops 802.11n technology. So the IEEE (the standards body responsible for ratifying the protocol) waits. And waits. Hoping something will change.
Meanwhile, the Register notes, those producing draft 802.11n equipment may already be infringing on CSIRO's patents, which could create a nightmare if CSIRO decides to sue. But a bigger concern is what happens next. 802.11n shouldn't be the end of the line for Wi-Fi by a long shot. Will the hangups cause development to cease, or for vendors to start developing their own, incompatible technologies? Lord knows we don't need another HD DVD vs. Blu-ray war.
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2 Posted by wayneturner_houston on Tue Sep 25, 2007 2:06PM EDT Report Abuse
When a technology like this waits too long, another steps in. Remember the DAT, Digital Audio Tape? I wanted one. I waited for years. Then came the CD, then mp3. Now where is the DAT? My suspicion is that there is something better, and the industry is dragging its feet, marking time. They are waiting for the "killer" app that requires big data transmittion, then they will pull the covers off. I don't have insider information, but that's what I'd guess.
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3 Posted by pmlighthouse on Tue Oct 2, 2007 1:54PM EDT Report Abuse
Is there an adeptaer for XP to get the pictures from my Digital camera? These are the small floppies. Pauline Martelli. e-mail pmlighthouse@yho.com
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1 Posted by rogueist on Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:33PM EDT Report Abuse
Maybe they are waiting for the new patent reform bills to pass. That should invalidate about 80% of all patents out there, if its allowed to be applied to already approved patents, and allow technological innovation to flourish once again. If not, I will put in my patent for the yeast sponge covered high fructose mucus membrane and protein layer with cow humus nutritional supplement and see if I can get a patent for a peanut butter a jelly sandwich with a glass of milk passed.