Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) Practice Test

The maximum data rate offered by 802.11n under ideal conditions is 600 Mbps. This standard utilizes Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which allows for multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously over the same channel. When configured with four spatial streams, each capable of achieving 150 Mbps, the theoretical maximum reaches 600 Mbps.

In practical terms, 802.11n achieves this high data rate by combining both channel bonding (utilizing 40 MHz channels) and MIMO technology, significantly enhancing the throughput compared to its predecessors like 802.11g or 802.11ac. The advancement to 600 Mbps represents a substantial improvement in wireless network performance, enabling more efficient data transfers in environments requiring high bandwidth, such as video streaming and large file transfers. Understanding this data rate is crucial for network planning and deployment, ensuring that the infrastructure can support the desired performance levels.