1. This forum is in read-only mode.

Wireless Routers

Discussion in 'Computers & Modding' started by SpeedSyndicate, Jan 24, 2009.

  1. SpeedSyndicate

    SpeedSyndicate New Member

    I am looking into buying a new wireless router. Any experinces or opinions with wireless N routers?
     
  2. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    I wouldn't get one until the standard is ratified (it's still in draft 2). If you get a draft-n router theres a slight possibility it may not be compatible with the final standard
     
  3. waylonn

    waylonn Well-Known Member

    You should get a G-router, they're better in my opinion.
     
  4. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    Personally I have an a/b/g wireless access point (not a router, its got one ethernet port and all it does is wired <-> wireless) No-one even knows I have a wireless network because 802.11a uses a different part of the radio spectrum to b/g, so it can't be detected unless you're using 802.11a equipment, which is pretty uncommon :)
     
  5. ThisIsTheUsername

    ThisIsTheUsername Active Member

    Basically wireless standards pros and cons are:

    802.11b:
    Code:
    Good: cheap, good signal range
     Bad: slow, not very resistant to interference (causing additional slowness)
    802.11a:
    Code:
    Good: fast, resistant to interference
     Bad: highest cost, very short and limited signal range
    802.11g:
    Code:
    Good: fast, good signal range
     Bad: costs more than 802.11[b]b[/b], may be vulnerable to interference (causing slowdown)
    802.11n:
    Code:
    Good: fastest maximum speed and best signal range; more resistant to signal interference from outside sources 
     Bad: standard is not yet finalized; costs more than 802.11g; the use of multiple signals may greatly interfere with existing nearby 802.11b/g based networks

    So I would say go for newer equipment which supports firmware upgrade, so when n standard gets finalized (Wikipedia says it'll not be before December 2009) you can flash your router ;) (I hope that n will not require special hardware?)

    I suggest until n gets finalized use g mode, I had no problems with it so far.
     
  6. waylonn

    waylonn Well-Known Member

    We can plug network cables in our wireless router too, that's what I do, powerline networking.

    I Love my power supply near our router :D
     
  7. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    Depends, n is intended to use the 5ghz band by default as it has more potential channels than 2.4Ghz. b/g use 2.4Ghz

    flashing your router to full n depends on how much of the standard changes between draft 2 and the final standard. Most n equipment will be backwards compatible with b/g, but new equipment will be needed to use the full benefits of n. whether draft 2 hardware will be compatible with full n hardware cannot be guaranteed at this time.
     
  8. SpeedSyndicate

    SpeedSyndicate New Member

    Thank you for all the replies so far. I think I see why the mix feedbacks for Wireless N. It's a good thing I'm still looking and didn't buy anything yet. I will wait until a standard is set. I think I'll try to hold as long as I can to my Wireless G.
     
  9. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    And that's what, 84mbit? I have gigabit speeds (full 1000BaseT over Cat5e) in the house
     
  10. waylonn

    waylonn Well-Known Member

    I reach too 100mbit
     
  11. Void

    Void Well-Known Member

    What are you, high?
     
  12. Barathrum

    Barathrum Well-Known Member

    The G-router is more stable. If you have a small house i suggest a G-Router. If your house is like 2 stories and you have wirelesss connections everywhere get the N.
     
  13. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    My house is 2 stories and my a/b/g access point covers the whole house easily.
     
  14. waylonn

    waylonn Well-Known Member

    Ours is 3 stories and could reach all computers, but the computers on the third one had a 'very weak' connection status.
     
  15. kingofgamemasters777

    kingofgamemasters777 Well-Known Member

    i got a g/b router and my download speed is the same wirerless as it is wired
     
  16. waylonn

    waylonn Well-Known Member

    And your router is ....m away? Probably next to your computer. ::)
     
  17. kingofgamemasters777

    kingofgamemasters777 Well-Known Member

    well most of the time im two rooms away from my router, and other times they sit side by side
     
  18. Barathrum

    Barathrum Well-Known Member

    Yeah, I guess the "g" is better for the price. 'n' really isn't all that necessary.
     
  19. Void

    Void Well-Known Member

    G's are such shit. They tend to have deteriorated reception due to things like... walls.
     
  20. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    All wireless suffers from that.