Standards for the implementation of wireless networked computer communications are developed, implemented and regulated by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standard Committee, also known as the IEE802. These standards serve as the foundations for wireless networking technology under the brand name of ‘Wi-Fi’ in consumer electronics and other communications devices. IEEE 802.11n (wireless) is the name for a set of standards for the implementation of wireless local area network (WLAN) setups to enable communication between technological devices such as computers. The IEE 802.11n family is comprised of modulation methods utilizing the same basic protocol. The standards exist between the parameters of the frequency bands of 2.4, 3.6, and 5 gigahertz.

While other standards for wireless networking preceded the IEE 802.11n standard, such as the 802.11-997 protocol, IEE 802.11n was the first standard to be widely accepted. Its origins lie in the 1985 ruling of the United States\’ Federal Communications Council, which made the ISM band available for use without a license. At the end of the twentieth century, the Wi-Fi Alliance was formed to bear the ‘Wi-Fi’ trademark as a trade association. Most products are now sold under this trademark.

It divides the bands within the described parameters into channels, similar to the manner in which radio and television broadcasting bands are divided. The availability of the channels is controlled on a country-by-country basis, with some countries permitting radio spectrum over certain channels but not others. Amendments are issues by the IEE Commission on a regular basis to create new capabilities or expand capacity.

Several groups in the United States and other countries have produced reports which question the security of the IEE 802.11n protocol. As a result the IEE formed a specialized task group to develop a replacement protocol which would provide improved security to users of the ‘Wi-Fi’ brand. Many companies now implement the IEE 802.11n protocol in their technologies, as it offers excellent performance, extensive range and improved reliability. It provides technology called multiple-input, multiple-output, which further improves performance and reliability of networks, as well as extending the range to which the network is broadcast, enabling more users to use the technology simultaneously.