N wireless router?

bradpierson26

bradpierson26

Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
803
I am looking into a wireless router and i need someone to school me on G versus N.
I have a dell M1530 and my girlfriend has a dell 1420. can we run an N router or do we have to stick with G?

i have 50' for ethernet still in package from walmart that i can return for $30. walmart has a system of "good" "better" and "best". they have a G router for $30 that is "good" and a "better" N router for $45.
they give a breif description of what "better" is and we definitely fall into that category.

so - am I GTG with the $45 N router?
 
Unless your computers have a wireless-N card you should stick with G and avoid the extra cost.

You can buy an N if you want. You can set it up for for a Mixed connection of B, G, and N if you intend to upgrade your computers later on.

B and G routers have a limited range of about 100 feet. N routers have a range of about 700 feet and are a lot quicker. All N routers have backwards compatibility with B and G so existing network cards and laptops will work fine with them but you are limited in your range and speed unless you have RangeBooster or SpeedBooster N equipment in your computers.
 
Short answer-No, it would be useless

Long answer-
It depends.
What type of internet connection do you have?
Draft G can handle up to 54Mbps but due to overhead is more like 27Mbps.
I.E. Unless your internet connection is >27Mbps you will see no improvement (Your connection is probably not faster)
The real benefit of Draft N would be if you want to transfer files in you local network, i.e. transfer/stream files to your girlfriends computer or a game counsel. Although Ethernet will still be faster but not mobile.

How much do you want to spend?
Ethernet is cheapest, Draft G is cheaper than Draft N.

No matter what, do not cheap out on the router. Get a brand name, run encryption (WPA is good), and change the administrator password.

Personally, I see no point in Draft N. I use Draft G for wireless and ethernet (Cat-5e cable) for any local network transfer i.e. laptop to xbox360.
 
we have comcast high speed. 16mbps.
we just want to watch tv online, stream music and play my xbox 360.
we live in a 1 bedroom apartment so range is not an issue.
 
if you have the kit, or live in a high interference area, N is way better. personally I'd either get the G router if there was little chance of upgrading, or go all the way to all N. you won't see much improvement with the N router if you can't use the N part. granted my desk tower has ethernet, a G card, and an N card, yeah overkill.
 
Don't forget to set up the security features to block out other people. At best neighbors can sponge off your connection, at worst they can steal info from ya. :eek:
 
zenheretic said:
Don't forget to set up the security features to block out other people. At best neighbors can sponge off your connection, at worst they can steal info from ya. :eek:
Click to expand...
True dat! Some kid on my daughter's school bus was holding one of the now-ubiquitous wireless-capable small electronic devices and he asks my daughter "Which one is your wireless network?" and he rattles off the names of the 4 he could detect and, of course, one of them was mine. Needless to say, it is no longer broadcasting its name. :)
 
mycroftt said:
True dat! Some kid on my daughter's school bus was holding one of the now-ubiquitous wireless-capable small electronic devices and he asks my daughter "Which one is your wireless network?" and he rattles off the names of the 4 he could detect and, of course, one of them was mine. Needless to say, it is no longer broadcasting its name. :)
Click to expand...

That is one of the negatives of these newer 700 foot range broadcasters. :eek:
 
bradpierson26 said:
we have comcast high speed. 16mbps.
we just want to watch tv online, stream music and play my xbox 360.
we live in a 1 bedroom apartment so range is not an issue.
Click to expand...

A G router should be just fine for you. G can normally handle a structure up to about 2000 Sqare feet if the router is placed in the middle assuming it's wood frame construction. So a 1 bedroom apartment is no problem.

My mom has a 1,500 Sq/ft single level home with 3 bedrooms and the Netgear 614 G router I got her in June works great with her 5Mb DSL anywhere in the house.

Heber
 
If your current computers have "N" capabilities, then you would benefit from buying an "N" router. OR, if you expect to upgrade your current PC's someday TO "N", then get the "N".

If your PC's are NOT "N" capable, and you don't ever expect to upgrade them TO "N", then stick with the "G".
 
i would buy a N router if the price difference isn't a big deal for you...eventually N will be standard; might as well go for the newer standard IF the price difference is not an issue...

right now, i think N is a pretty big $$$ premium over a G wireless modem; so i myself would not do it...
 
bradpierson26 said:
I am looking into a wireless router and i need someone to school me on G versus N.
I have a dell M1530 and my girlfriend has a dell 1420. can we run an N router or do we have to stick with G?

i have 50' for ethernet still in package from walmart that i can return for $30. walmart has a system of "good" "better" and "best". they have a G router for $30 that is "good" and a "better" N router for $45.
they give a breif description of what "better" is and we definitely fall into that category.

so - am I GTG with the $45 N router?
Click to expand...

I have one of these http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT54G-Wireless-G-Router/dp/B00007KDVI that is fairly new but stopped using it when Qwest installed a wireless router with an internal modem. Shoot me an email if you want to trade something for it.
 
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