802.11n will work by utilizing multiple wireless antennas in tandem to transmit and receive data. The associated term MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) refers to the ability of 802.11n and similar technologies to coordinate multiple simultaenous radio signals. MIMO increases both the range and throughput of a wireless network.
An additional technique employed by 802.11n involves increasing the channel bandwidth. As in 802.11a/b/g networking, each device uses a preset Wi-Fi channel on which to transmit. Each 802.11n channel will use a larger frequency range than these earlier standards, also increasing data throughput.
Once finalized, 802.11n will support bandwidth greater than 100 Mbps and perhaps even greater than 200 Mbps. Some manufacturers offer pre-N wireless equipment based on preliminary drafts of the standard. However, this equipment may not be fully compatible with 802.11n equipment that will meet the final standard.
