Perspective:

By Selina Lo

Why Wi-Fi has to change--or else

Published: July 12, 2007, 10:20 AM PDT

caused by neighboring devices that operate in the same unlicensed spectrum. Whats the problem with 802.11n? Speed isnt a common Wi-Fi complaint. Reliability and consistent coverage are the real problems and interference is the culprit. For Wi-Fi to become the utility people expect at their fingertips, it must operate like a wire in the air. Wi-Fi interference comes from a myriad of things such as neighboring Wi-Fi networks, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, even treadmills. This interference causes Wi-Fi to thrash, forcing down the data rate to the point where the only thing you can do is cruise the Web.

perspective Arguably the most habit-changing and beloved networking innovation of our lifetime, Wi-Fi is a bubble threatening to burst under the weight of its own popularity.
Originally developed to allow multiple computers to share access to the Internet, the Wi-Fi lure of free spectrum, no strings attached, is driving every imaginable type of handheld device to embed the technology as users demand Wi-Fi access at home, in the workplace and in public venues. Yet as more and more content is poured into Wi-Fi networks, the technology is now struggling to keep pace. Next generation Wi-Fi technology, 802.11n, is widely viewed as a panacea to the current limitations. A tremendous boost to Wi-Fi, 802.11n increases the capacity of the technology to hundreds of megabits per second (Mbps) from 54 Mbps today. This is achieved by ganging multiple Wi-Fi radios together in a single Wi-Fi device. At challenging locations where the higher data rates are not possible--for example, at the far ranges or in noisy environments--the extra Wi-Fi radios are used to strengthen the signal and extend its reach. These all sound appealing except for a nagging blind spot--interference

Whats the Wi-Fi hurry? Small and medium businesses have been looking to adopt Wi-Fi in a big way but havent taken the plunge because of their concerns over Wi-Fis reliability, cost and ease of use. In a recent survey of more than 500 small and medium U.S. and European businesses, Forrester Research found that more than 52 percent had no plans to adopt Wi-Fi. Over 36 percent said reliability was the most important factor in their decision, or lack of decision, citing high cost as the second most important factor. This also explains why the current penetration of wireless LAN into the enterprise is only about 15 percent, according to the DellOro Group.

Installing a single access point at home may be fairly straightforward, but 802.11n exacerbates this problem. With installing a network of access points 802.11n there are now multiple Wi-Fi is not. IT staff members dont have the signals being transmitted in all directime to perform lengthy Wi-Fi site surtions, each of which can be interfered veys and RF planning every time theres with before reaching their destination. a change. The reverse is also true; multiple radios in each 11n device make Automating the it a more potent interferer Wi-Fi must move installation of Wi-Fi than its predecessors. from a technology of access points and the Recent technical inconvenience to a de- configuration of user devices is essential novations, however, are for moving Wi-Fi proving to be effective in pendable and ubiqforward into the larger working around interuitous utility. Until underserved swath of ference. Similar to an the enterprise market. Internet router that picks then, it remains the best path for every packet by monitoring a prison of promises. Propelled by devices like the iPhone, which the performance of all its effectively put a computer in your hand, available paths, a smart beam steering Wi-Fi is poised to become the de facto system monitors the radio frequency onramp to all broadband wireless (RF) environment and adapts the directechnologies at home, at work and in tion and the shape of the transmit beam public venues. But Wi-Fi must move to avoid interference. from a technology of convenience to a dependable and ubiquitous utility. Until This technology focuses Wi-Fi signals then, it remains a prison of promises. (like a flash light) toward the intended destination and away from the direction of strong noise. By constantly picking the highest quality paths available, this transmits at the highest data rates reliably, avoiding transmission errors.

Biography

Selina Lo is president and CEO of Ruckus Wireless.