So let me get this straight… this guy is a computer science professor and a network engineer with the FAA yet he is unaware that MIMO (802.11n) is backward compatible to 802.11a/b/g (11a is an option in the spec even though it’s on an entirely different chunk of spectrum), among other mistakes in this article he is quoted in on the Boston Globe. Some simple fact checking by the reporter would have been a good step as well.

BTW, I use 802.11n for my home network and I certainly haven’t “knocked out” any of my neighbors’ wireless networks.

Less is more: Create a network with no wires – The Boston Globe:

Another caution: avoid MIMO routers. These Multi Input, Multi Output gadgets achieve excellent signal quality and range by hogging the wireless spectrum up to 219 yards away. If you live in the city or suburbs, your MIMO router will knock out your wireless-enabled neighbors’ connections.

And if your neighbors also have MIMO, you’ll all lose your connections. MIMO also won’t work with those free Wi-Fi hotspots that are popping up in increasing numbers of cafes and libraries.

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