The IEEE P802.11g standard for wireless local area networks, which will extend the data rate of the IEEE 802.11b-1999 to 54 Mbps from its present level of 11 Mbps, 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 with publication in late July.
The 802.11g Task Group, which is developing this standard, was formed in September 2000. The group contains representatives more than 100 computer, networking and software companies, as well as those from consultant organizations and academic institutions.
"By extending the IEEE 802.11b PHY to 54 Mbps, IEEE 802.11g will create data-rate parity at 2.4 GHz with IEEE standard 802.11a, which allows for a 54 Mbps rate at 5 GHz," says Stuart Kerry, chairman of the IEEE 802.11 Working Group. "Given the large installed base of commercial 802.11b-based WLANs, there is a strong market demand for this extension to 54 Mbps so existing WLANs can operate more efficiently."
"Now that we have a complete draft of the IEEE P802.11g standard, some manufacturers are beginning to release products in accordance with it," Kerry continues. "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."
Brian Mathews, IEEE 802.11 publicity chairman, says the IEEE P802.11g draft had technical changes made to it at the January session, and further changes are expected starting in March based on comments received from the sponsor organization of IEEE 802.11.
"The only sure way to guarantee compliance and avoid potential interoperability problems is to wait for final ratification of 802.11g, which is highly likely in June 2003," says Mathews.
The 802.11g Task Group updated its draft to version 6.1 at its meeting in January. The 802.11g draft obtained the approval of the IEEE 802.11 Working Group on Draft 6.1 via balloting that closed on Feb. 4. The IEEE 802 Executive Committee approved forwarding of the draft to the IEEE Standards Association for final balloting at the sponsor level.
Initial balloting results from the sponsor level are expected back before the IEEE 802.11g Task Group meets in Dallas in March. At that session, the IEEE 802.11g Task Group plans to update the draft to version 7.0 based on submitted comments.
IEEE P802.11g, which is being developed by the IEEE 802.11 Working Group for Wireless LANs, is sponsored by the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee of the IEEE Computer Society. For more information visit www.ieee802.org.
