The 802.11a standard operates in the uncrowded 5GHz frequency, where interference is less of a problem. Both standards, however, are not compatible. A consortium of technology companies, called the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, expects products supporting the faster Wi-Fi standard and 802.11a will be released at about the same time during the second quarter of next year. Most tech companies, such as Cisco and Intel, support Wi-Fi in their products and also plan support for 802.11a. While tech companies say the multiple standards can coexist, analysts warn that multiple wireless standards could confuse consumers and businesses, which could lead people to buy products that don't work together.
Wireless executives say the two standards have different positives and negatives.
Initially, the faster Wi-Fi products are expected to cost less than the 802.11a products. But because the Wi-Fi products operate in the clogged 2.4GHz range, there's more potential for interference, said Dennis Eaton, a marketing manager for chipmaker Intersil and a spokesman for the consortium of technology companies. For example, a person may not be able to Web surf over a wireless network if they're using the microwave oven or using a cordless phone at the same time. Like the number of roads on a highway, 802.11a offers 12 channels to ship data from one point to another, while Wi-Fi only offers three channels, Eaton added. The IEEE ruled out Texas Instruments' proposal this week, favoring Intersil's instead.