[JonnoB]

The problem is that while there are wireless standards group, there is no standard interoperability testing consortium. Nothing that says - this device has been certified by (fill in the blank).

In addition, there are regular technical advances that add speed, range, or some other so-called benefit to the consumer. These advanced come in three primary forms. Pre-final standards such as what had happened with the 802.11n standard (pre-N), official standards as they are finalized, and then proprietary enhancements (anyone remember the 108 wireless-G claims?).

All of these frequent updates makes interoperability testing very difficult and the frustrations that you and many others face is the result. I am sure if you speak to a manufacturer, they will tell you that they have tested the most popular hardware... but my experience is that often their own hardware is suspect to work reliably with each other.

I see no let up as we get additional wireless capabilities with greater range, better power management and better speed. After all, isn't faster and further better? The manufacturers would tell you yes, but our experience often says 'no'.