I don't know if they found each other through the patented eHarmony compatibility system (aside: did you know that eHarmony has a research division?) but D-Link just announced that its Draft 802.11n Xtreme N wireless routers are compatible with Intel's Centrino products, as part of Intel's "Connect with Centrino" program.
Now, here's the thing. the 802.11n spec is (still) a mess; the branding's a mess, and the way 802.11n products interact with legacy devices is still a mess. As far as the latter is concerned, 802.11 routers really shouldn't interact with legacy devices, if this article is right.
However, if there is one agency that was supposed to step in and straighten things out, it was the Wi-Fi Alliance, which supposedly oversees the specification and the member companies. The Alliance even
said last August that it would take the unusual step and pre-certify the draft-n products before the spec was even completed (in early 2008). My understanding was that this was supposed to begin this past March. (Alliance PR is making noises about an interview with me next week.) Did it? So far, nary a peep.
In case I'm not being clear: why the heck is D-Link certifying with Intel, and not the Wi-Fi Alliance?
In the meantime, Intel simply keeps on grinding forward, establishing itself as the de facto wireless standards body. (See: UWB, WiMAX) Listen up, people: if you don't want Intel inevitably shouldering you into irrelevance, make with the standards and compatibility programs already. And quick.
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