Need a wireless router -- please help explain

[PSUlion01]

Ok need to get a wireless router for my new laptop... what's the deal with the 802.11b and 802.11g? I know that G is faster, but is the range better? Can someone give me a clear description of each? Also, what about the speed difference? will i notice it for standard web surfing, downloads, etc, or just when transferring files on the home network? any suggestions as to a good wireless router (needs to have wired hub/switch as well) that's good quality but a good price?

thx
mike

 

[orion7144]

11b is 11meg 11g is 54 meg. The only reason you really need to spend the extra is if you are doing huge file transfers all the time. Another option is the Dlink 614+ with a Dlink+ model PCMCIA card. These do 22meg (in theory) or with the bios update they have a 4X mode to get to 44meg. Office depot (I think it is OD) has the Router for $60 - $30 MIR.

 

[PSUlion01]

whats the range like (distance...any difference between 11b and 11g? can you game with 11b?) this will be used with a T40 with the intel m-pci wireless card.

thx?

 

[orion7144]

Originally posted by: PSUlion01
whats the range like (distance...any difference between 11b and 11g? can you game with 11b?) this will be used with a T40 with the intel m-pci wireless card.

thx?

Gaming will be just fine.

 

[PSUlion01]

what about the range/distance on the wireless setup? I'm assuming it's all 2.4gHz right, so the range shouldn't be any different between b and g?

 

[JackMDS]

On Wireless:

802.11b vs. 802.11g.

For Internet surfing it does mot matter since Internet broadband connection is slower than 802.11b

For traffic across Internal LAN, 802.11g is significantly faster.

General Wireless info.

802.11b = 11Mb/sec. Network "Speed" (Carrier transmission 2.4GHz)
802.11g = 54Mb/sec. Network "Speed" (Carrier transmission 2.4GHz)

Wireless Ethernet needs additional protocol over head for the transfer. In addition, it is not as stable as Wired so it needs extra processing procedures.

As a result the 11Mb/sec. of the Network chipset is translated to a much lower actual performance. Usually 4-6Mb/sec.

Few 802.11b hardware units are also capable to work at 22Mb/sec.(usually referred to as b+) it is nice if it works, in real term will yield 20%-40% more than 11Mb/sec. systems.

The 802.11g line that is rated 54Mb/sec. in the real world it yields 18-22Mb/sec.

The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance


The following collection of links might help.

Ignore the prices in the links bellow. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

Link: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point - What should I get?

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Link: Wireless Security for the Home User.

Link: Wireless Network Troubleshooting,

Link: How do I use a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point?

What should I get.

Networking in General is no CPU OverClocking or "squeezing" few frames from a "puny" Video card, it is more complicated.

The number of variables that goes into the equation of each situation is so variant that it is impossible to give one rule of thumb.

If the Wireless Computer is going to be used in the vicinity of the Wireless Gateway, and you are going for 802.11b buy the cheapest you can find. You can get a Wireless Cable/DSL Router for about $29.99 + PCMCIA card for $9.99 (both after rebate).

Example:

Link: Barricade 11Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Broadband Router with 4 Port. $29.99 (after rebate).

Link: EZ Connect 802.11b Wireless PCMCIA Network Adapter. $9.99 (after rebate).

If you go with 801.11g get a set from D-Link or Linksys. Both seem to be at the top of the current rather limited "crop" of 802.11g Entry Level hardware.

If you are going for 802.11b and long distance is a must, it is a very long story and I am not going to try analyzing it here.