The task group responsible for developing the IEEE 801.11n project has voted to accept, as a base line, a joint proposal to amend the IEEE 802.11™ wireless local area network (WLAN) standard by adding specifications for new technologies that will raise WLAN connection speeds to as much as 600 Mbps. The task group working on this amendment, the IEEE P802.11n™ “Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PH) Specifications: Enhancement for Higher Throughput,” voted unanimously (184/0/4) to confirm the joint proposal as a base line. The project to develop IEEE 802.11n began in 2003 to ensure the interoperability of the next generation of WLAN devices. A draft of the amendment is expected in late 2006, with publication slated for 2007. “The IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN working group continues to improve this WLAN standard to meet the evolving needs of the public and industry,” said Stuart J. Kerry, chair of the IEEE 802.11 Working Group on Wireless Area Networks. “Hundreds of technical experts from the world’s leading technology companies, academic institutions and government agencies have collaborated to develop the foundation for new high throughput wireless LAN technology.” Bruce Kraemer, chair of the IEEE 802.11n High Throughput Task Group, adds that “reaching this step is a significant milestone. It demonstrates the success of the IEEE consensus process in bringing together the diverse interests of enterprises and consumers. The technology to be incorporated into 802.11n will provide new capabilities to diverse industry sectors ranging from computers and consumer electronics to public access and mobile telephony.”