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Wireless N?

John Crichton

First Post
Tell me about it. Should I bother blowing around $100+ to get a wireless n router?

My current wireless modem/router is doing well but it seems to be a bit slow. I do like streaming stuff to my 360/PS3 from my PC and occasionally do large file transfers from laptops to desktop.
 

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Two factors to consider...

Factor 1: Your equipment's compatibility ...
If you get a wireless n router, then (if you actually want the faster transmission rate) your computer, laptop, and game system's wireless nic cards (or whatever you use) will need to be capable of receiving the upgraded router transmission. 802.11n is the N router protocol so check the tech specs of computer/laptop/game system to see if they are capable of receiving that protocol.

Chances are HIGH that your computer/laptop/game system are only up to 802.11g (or 802.11b or 802.11a depending on how old they are -- those are the older wireless protocols; g being the current standard one). So in addition to getting a wireless N router, you'd probably need new nic cards for each of your computers as well

Otherwise, you could get the N router, just make sure it is backwards compatible to still transmit to the other protocols that your computers use. You won't get faster speeds though, just a shiny new router.

Factor 2: protocol finalization ...
802.11n (the wireless N protocol) is technically still in "draft" release (if you look at the tech specs for any wireless N router, you'll notice it says "draft 802.11n compatible". I don't think the final version isn't scheduled for release until mid-next year.

No one will be able to 100% guarantee/promise you that a "draft compatible" wireless N router that you purchase now will still work with the final release N protocol... though, it is likely that it will, just not a guarantee.

Since N is seeing a consumer market at this stage, despite the draft protocol it's most likely stable. So it wouldn't be a total gamble if you need something working _now_.

If your needs and income are willing to go for a draft release, then, sure, go for it. Otherwise, I'd say wait until next year (I believe summer 2009) for final release.
 
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Factor 1: Your equipment's compatibility ...
If you get a wireless n router, then (if you actually want the faster transmission rate) your computer, laptop, and game system's wireless nic cards (or whatever you use) will need to be capable of receiving the upgraded router transmission. 802.11n is the N router protocol so check the tech specs of computer/laptop/game system to see if they are capable of receiving that protocol.
Hmm, I wasn't even aware of that. How can I determine if my computer is capable of receiving the upgraded transmission?
 


Reveille: You need to figure out the model of the wireless card (in the Device manager, most likely) and check the specs on the manufacturer's site. Sometime's they say clearly, like my "Dell Wireless 1505 Draft 802.11n WLAN mini-card".
 


Reveille: You need to figure out the model of the wireless card (in the Device manager, most likely) and check the specs on the manufacturer's site. Sometime's they say clearly, like my "Dell Wireless 1505 Draft 802.11n WLAN mini-card".

I'm using a USB Wireless adapter. Just upgrading the router and adapter to N, should do it, right?
 

Tell me about it. Should I bother blowing around $100+ to get a wireless n router?
Ask those in your area? Friends? Colleagues that already have a pre-N router? If possible buy the same one they have, so if you have a problem, they might already have experienced it and already have a solution for you, and vice versa.
 

I'm using a USB Wireless adapter. Just upgrading the router and adapter to N, should do it, right?

If by updating you mean "buying a new router and adapter that are 802.11N compatable" then yes. N wireless stuff should work with all the recent desktop operating systems, assuming they provide drivers.
 

Heh - I asked about this a couple of months ago. My final decision: I'm in no rush and waiting for it to be finalized before I get my new laptop and wireless N router.

According to the (updated, I see) Wiki, the draft is expected to be finalized in March 2009 and published in December 2009 (these new estimates are 6 months later than when I last checked a couple of months ago).
 

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