setting up network, wireless-g or b?

[Maverick2002]

I'm setting up a wireless network at my parents' house. There will be one main PC that's connected to the router (that's connected to the hard line), a PC upstairs that needs a wireless connection and a laptop (generally running as a desktop in the basement, but may very well be carried around the house) that also needs a wireless connection. They don't game or do any major file transfers. I seriously doubt all 3 computers would be browsing the internet at the same time, but even if they were, would a wireless-b solution be sufficient? Or do I need the extra bandwidth of wireless-g?

 

[Andres3605]

if you can affort it you are better off getting a wireless G or even a super G, normally G networks have better signal than b networks and they are just few dollars more expensive.

 

[Cheetah8799]

B will be fine for web surfing. It's what I use for my laptop. Prices are coming down all the time though, so a cheap G router might cost the same as a cheap B router.

The big issue will be the network cards you use in the systems. They need to be of good quality if you think they will be trying to connect through a bunch of walls. Do some checking into what are known good cards before buying them. I use an Orinoco Gold PCMCIA card in my laptop, known to be one of the best for wardriving and such. 😉

I like the Netgear MR814v2 routers. They work great. 🙂

 

[newbiepcuser]

I thought B signals has issues with wireless phones and microwaves?

 

[Maverick2002]

Well, I already have a wireless-b PCMCIA card for the notebook (had it for a couple years now), brand name is SMC. Eh, it worked/works. So all I would be getting is a router and NIC (or USB connector) for the PC upstairs.

 

[Rike]

Many G routers are compatible with b. Getting a G router would give you greater bandwidth if you ever need it.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: newbiepcuser
I thought B signals has issues with wireless phones and microwaves?

They all (a/b/g) have issues with 2.4Ghz phones and microwaves, since they all share the same spectrum. Sometimes you can get around it by switching channels, but sometimes not.

 

[Vegito]

theres a G router at staples for free after rebates, check hot deal forums and yeah 2.4 ghz with cordless sux but your cordless can go 5.8 now so..

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Matthias99

Originally posted by: newbiepcuser
I thought B signals has issues with wireless phones and microwaves?

They all (a/b/g) have issues with 2.4Ghz phones and microwaves, since they all share the same spectrum. Sometimes you can get around it by switching channels, but sometimes not.

802.11a works at 5GHz, 802.11b/g work at 2.4GHz.