Buffalo Technologies releases draft 802.11n wireless networking family

Earlier today, Buffalo Technologies announced the availability of its first draft 802.11n-compliant wireless networking family. Currently, the product line includes three offerings: the AirStation Nfiniti Wireless Router and Access Point (WZR-G300N), the AirStation Nfiniti Wireless PCI Adapter for desktop computers (WLI-PCI-G300N), and the AirStation Nfiniti Wireless Notebook Adapter (WLI-CB-G300N).

Draft 1.0 of the 802.11n specification was approved by Task Group N of the IEEE 802.11 committee back in January, and it adds specs such as MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) and compatibility with legacy 802.11b/g devices. The final 802.11n spec is expected to be approved sometime in 2007.

Buffalo's draft 802.11n family is based on Broadcom's Intensi-fi draft 802.11n chipset. The router is a combination router/access point and has a built-in DHCP server and a four-port 10/100 switch. The router also supports wireless distribution system (WDS), which allows for bridging and repeating in order to expand a wireless network. The full range of wireless networking security features is also supported: WPA, WEP, dynamic packet filtering and NAT firewall, intrusion detector, and SPI firewall. Buffalo's specs give a max throughput of 300Mbps; of course, real-world performance is usually lower than stated maximums and remain to be seen. (Check back for a full review!)

Buffalo provides a two-year limited warranty and toll-free 24/7 tech support for the AirStation Nfiniti family. The estimated street prices are $179 for the router and $129 for the notebook adapter. The PCI adapter will be available in May for an estimated price of $129. The router and PC Card are currently available for purchase at PC Connection.