The protocol allows designers to create a beacon that tells other devices to be quiet and tells all devices using the same access point when their timeslot is and when they can transmit. This prevents collision. It also allows devices to stay asleep, saving power until it is their time to send or receive.

One of the first benefits will be for those providers looking to offer what is called in the industry "triple play service provision": voice, video and data.

Although it may not immediately replace wired Ethernet for the enterprise, for smaller companies using 100/10 BaseT, IEEE 802.11n may prove to be a less expensive alternative.