Wireless Routers: Get a Boost

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Because all of the new notebook computers now are compatible with 802.11n routers, you can take advantage of the increased speed that today’s routers provide. Plus, some 802.11n routers now support an Intel feature that’s called Wi-Di, which allows you to transmit wirelessly your notebook computer’s screen directly to a high-definition TV or projector screen simply by pushing a button. In other words, you can watch streaming movies on a much larger screen.

Unfortunately, we don’t expect much further changes in routers for a while. The next speed standard, 802.11ac, isn’t expected until December. That specification will boost a router’s bandwidth, which also is referred to as its spatial stream, to eight streams per channel from a maximum of three streams per channel today. That increase will bring a wireless router’s speed up to a level that’s comparable with today’s wired gigabit Ethernet, which will translate into smoother video streaming, faster Web-page loading and faster wireless data transfers without any notable price increase.

The increase in bandwidth will allow parents to stream HD movies in the living room while the kids stream other HD programs in their bedrooms. And unlike three-stream bandwidth, the new speed standard will eliminate interference in the programs.