Should I go N for multiple computers on my network?

ProfJohn

Lifer
Jul 28, 2006
18,161
7
0
I have 3 computers that will be using my wireless network.

Do I really need to go N or can I stick to G ??

All I usually do via the network is play on the internet so moving files from computer to computer isn't really a factor.

Also, will I get more speed if I hook my desktops up with wires instead of going wireless?
Am I going to notice faster surfing speeds etc?
 

venkman

Diamond Member
Apr 19, 2007
4,950
11
81
Your internet speed is your limiting factor. My 25Mb/s isn't even half of the speed available from G. You only need the N if you want the extended range.
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
81
we have an 8M/512k connection used by 3 or 4 computers here and for general internet usage thats more than enough and for a while we were all wireless. if youre not doing local file transfers or internet gaming, G is fine.

Wired will be required for consistent pings if youre going to be gaming or doing any big file transfers, depending on interference at a given moment or range from the WAP, the wired speeds may or may not be noticeably faster for your internet connection.
 

TJCS

Senior member
Nov 3, 2009
861
0
71
If you are not transferring large files between network computers or sharing content such as steaming high definition videos then N will do very little for you. Like Venkman said the limiting factor is the speed of your internet service. Going from DSL to Comcast fiber optic connection will blow your socks off !
 

cipher00

Golden Member
Jan 29, 2001
1,295
0
76
Personally, I like N, but G should work. I "upgraded" to N when my house burned down and took all the computers with it. (Really, it did.) Starting from scratch has its advantages.
 

Chiefcrowe

Diamond Member
Sep 15, 2008
5,050
194
116
The other thing to consider is the range of N. if you have computers pretty far away from each other, it will probably be a good thing. if not then G is probably ok.