Wi-Fi Handsets - Moving to 802.11n

2.4GHz or 5GHz

Historically the choices and options for Wi-Fi in handsets have been centered on which protocol to use. 802.11n brings additional options to the table for handset vendors to consider when adding this functionality to a handset. While the initial implementations of 802.11n will be driven by simplicity and compatibility, future iterations will have to consider the evolving use cases of Wi-Fi in handsets, as well as product specialization that can take advantage of 802.11n's capabilities.

This study identifies key use cases and future applications for Wi-Fi that will drive unique implementations of 802.11n into mobile handsets. Future implementations of 802.11n in smartphones are forecast by frequency, by antenna count and by protocol mix.


Table of Contents


Section 1.
802.11N -Capable Handsets
1.1. Technical Overview of 802.11N
1.1.1. Channel Bonding
1.1.2. MIMO
1.1.3. Frame Aggregation
1.1.4. 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz Frequency
1.2. Market Considerations
1.2.1. Applications for Wi-Fi in Handsets
1.2.2. Wi-Fi Direct
1.2.3. Access Points and CE compatibility
1.3. 802.11N Handset Forecasts
1.3.1. 802.11N Handset Shipments
1.3.2. 802.11N Handset Shipments by Antenna Count
1.3.3. 802.11N Handset Shipments by Frequency
1.3.4. 802.11N Handset Shipments by Protocol





Tables
  • 802.11 Protocol Comparison Table: Bandwidth, Frequency, Range, and MIMO capability
  • 802.11n-Capable Smartphone Shipments, World Market Forecast: 2009 to 2014 (Millions)
  • 802.11n-Capable Smartphones Shipments by Antenna Count, World Market Forecast: 2009 to 2014 (Millions)
  • 802.11n-Capable Smartphones Shipments by Frequency, World Market Forecast: 2009 to 2014 (Millions)
  • 802.11n-Capable Smartphones Shipments by Protocol, World Market Forecast: 2009 to 2014 (Millions)