A refinement of the IEEE P802.11g standard for wireless local area networks (W-LANs), has been approved by the IEEE 802.11 Working Group.
Two approval steps remain within the consensus process followed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers before IEEE 802.11g is completed. Final approval is expected in mid-June 2003 with publication in late July 2003.
There has been considerable consternation over interoperability by divergent (pre-standard) chipsets. Broadcom chips (under their 54G organization) and Intersil “G” chips, used in D-Link and Netgear may have problems working together. Intersil says Broadcom doesn’t follow “the rules”. And visa-versa.
The 802.11g Task Group, which is developing the standard, was formed in September 2000. It is a diverse body containing representatives from well over 100 computer, networking and software companies, as well as those from consultant organizations and academic institutions.
Stuart Kerry, Chair of the IEEE 802.11 Working Group says, “Now that we have a complete draft of the IEEE P802.11g standard, some manufacturers are beginning to release products in accordance with it. While the IEEE is pleased to see early development of product based on our work, it is quite speculative to release products at this time.”
Bottom line: read Tim Higgins Need To Know white paper on 802.11g before you jump the gun.
