My current setup is a MSI Desktop (about 4 years old) operating with XP and a Dell 6400 laptop (less than 1 year old) operating with Vista. I use a Linksys WAG54G as a Wireless Modem Router. The router has become a little sluggish lately which has made me consider upgrading the wireless part of my network to the new Wireless-N networking system. Before I plunge in could you advise me if this is the best approach and, if so, what I need to consider,. The claim of 15 times the speed is attractive, but I am not sure what effect this would have on my 2.5mb Broadband service from BT Broadband in real terms.

I have checked with Dell and they have informed me that my current internal wireless card is not compatible with the Wireless-N system so I am right in thinking I probably need the following.

1. A new modem router with Wireless-N capability, compatible with BT.
2. A new Wireless-N card (external) for the laptop which will, hopefully, not conflict with the internal wireless card!
3. Some kind of USB Wireless-N USB adaptor for the desktop.

My query is also is whether it is worth the additional expenditure?

Thanks

whether it is worth the additional expenditure?

I moved to an N-based router because my G-based wireless connection was getting very unreliable/slow (a lot of wasteful page faults/resent traffic and periodic connection drops) and subject to interference at mostly predictable times of the day. That is all that I did (changed my router) and my connection is now 99% reliable at all times.


The main speed advantage can be realized as a result internal local network traffic needs (such as for gaming) when all components are N-based and also if you use a Gigabit based router. I did not see a need for any of that at present. See related video for more details:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...854&CatId=2668

With Wireless-N, the farther away you are, the more speed advantage you get. It works great with standard Wireless-G and -B equipment, but when both ends of the wireless link are Wireless-N, the router can increase the throughput even more by using twice as much radio band, yielding speeds up to 9 times as fast as standard Wireless-G. But unlike other speed-enhanced technologies, Wireless-N can dynamically enable this double-speed mode for Wireless-N devices, while still connecting to other wireless devices at their respective fastest speeds.

Vincent

Many thanks for your reply and video. Like you the gaming factor is not an issue for me, but stability is. Not sure why my Wireless-G is slowing up, but it is fairly old by now. I like the fact you can just use the Wireless-N modem router without necessarily getting the additional hardware for the desktop and laptop, though that would seem sensible in time.

Now to choose which manufacturer!

Thanks again

Gareth

Be careful not to confuse 802.11n with 802.11 "pre-N" or 802.11 "draft N". These were effectively "beta" versions of the 300Mbps 802.11n standard that manufacturers released before everyone really agreed on what the standard was. I made the mistake of setting up a small business in a single 700sq.ft. open-plan office with a Buffalo 802.11 draft-N wireless network (Buffalo router and Buffalo PCI wireless network cards) when it first came out and it was dreadful. Although the meter always showed at least 200Mbps as the connection, it was, in fact, pretty slow. And really unreliable. I had to go back in there 3 months later and swap out the whole network to a 3COM 54Mbps 802.11g system which was not only more reliable but faster too!

I now use Netgear products for wireless networking - I've used the home products and the business range a few times now and they've been consistently excellent. I haven't used their 802.11n stuff yet though.

DJ

Many thanks. I have read a great deal about the Wireless-N since my first posting and given I have such a small network (1 Desktop, 1 Laptop) which is only used fully on rare occasions, I think I should concentrate on a straight replacement for my Linksys WAG54G or possible move up to a 108mbps version such as Netgear's DG834GT. The upgrade does, however, mean I will need to replace my Dell laptop card (unless it is already 108 Mbps compliant - I am checking this with Dell at present) and a new card for my Desktop. I kinow the 108Mbps will be downwards compliant, but I would like to gain full advantage of the faster speed. The other option is simply a straight replacement at 54Mbps. Currently not sure which option to take. Any views on this issue?

Difficult decisions - complex world!!

Gareth

I know the 108Mbps will be downwards compliant, but I would like to gain full advantage of the faster speed.

Since your ISP connection is only 2.5Mbps the faster speed promises and considerations for most routers are likely mostly illusionary for your two (2) node system unless your intended gains are specifically addressing internal PC-to-PC traffic issues.

Often, the location of the router (higher vantage point is normally better) plus up-to-date network card and device drivers should be the main critical issues to first review.

Vincent

Many thanks once again. It does seem that given my requirments the 54G would suffice. I have updated the firmware and relevant drivers, which I keep up-to-date for all my PC hardware not just the router. I have changed the location of the current router on several occasions, but the problems still remain. It could well be time to replace the router, which is about 4-5 years old. I will, however, go for a similar 54G model.

I am grateful to you and DJ for all your advice. The step by step advice has been invaluable (and probably saved me quite a bit of money!)

Gareth

I guess I shouldn't complicate the issue if you're happy to get another 54Mbps Linksys router but I personally dislike Linksys wireless products very much. My experiences of them have been very poor documentation, illogical setup processes and diabolical technical support. I can't comment on their performance as I never got any of it to work!!

If I were in your position, I would go for a Netgear router. They are very good, particularly the DG834GT. Even if you decide not to use 108Mbps wireless cards now, at least the router has some headroom for an easy network upgrade in the future should you decide that streaming audio, networked gaming or just faster file transfers between the two clients would be desirable. Of course, as Vincent explained, your broadband connection speed will still only be 2.5Mbps.

DJ

Many thanks again. This is such a complex decision, but I feel you and Vincent's advice have really helped me clear my mind! I had decided to go for a Netgear model as my reading of the reviews certainly puts them above Linksys. My current model Linksys WAG54G has been a good servant so I would give Linksys that credit. I have never had to go to their support teams; as with all my PC issues I find most answers are out there on the internet.

I think your point on the 108Mbps is well made and that may be the determining factor. The Netgear model you mention was indeed the one I intended to go for if I went down the 108Mbps route.

Once again I can't thank you enough for your help. As I have said before this is the best site for clear and precise help. More power to you!!

Gareth