**Would Now Be The Time To Buy The Wireless "G"**

[Aenygma]

We would like to put in a wireless network in our home, and have been waiting for something better (faster) than 802.11b.

Is it ok to purchase the wireless G (802.11g) now, or should we wait till it gets the official "signatory" approval by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers??

We don't want to come into any unforseen problems by being too early an adopter, yet we also would like to implement a network as soon as possible, but would wait if that is the best thing to do. (would hate to find out later if they made some major change that are equipment was not compliant)

If it helps any... We are looking into the LinkSys model. As theyhave gotten good reviews from planet-80211 and another site.

Thank you for any responses.

 

[skyking]

Are you planning on doing large file transfers over the LAN wirelessly? If not, 802.11b will be fast enough.

 

[Aenygma]

Yes we do large transfers from time to time, but even if we didn't I can't see buying into an older standard. Plus 802.11g is backwards comp anyway with b. (not that it would really matter to us)

 

[JackMDS]

If being with the "New" standard is very important then wait.

It will take few months for the Standard hardware to come out.

I would not buy to be at the mercy of promised future firmware upgrades.

Functional I have to agree with skyking if you are not constantly transfering large amount of files get 802.11b, and wait until the standard and the implementation of WPA is ?Solid? available.

 

[Aenygma]

Yes, I must admit "having" the newest does have an appeal (can't help it). Though as I said we do transfer large files occasionaly (esp my wife with her work)

I have been reading on planet-8011 and they seem pretty excited about 802.11g as well.

It is supposed to get Final approval in the first week of June... I wonder how long it would take from then for the final draft revision products to make it to the shelf?

 

[JackMDS]

Commercial sites has to enthusiastic it is a business and survival thing.

 

[mcveigh]

I just installed an 802.11g linksys router today, I was highly impressed with the improved reception over 802.11b. I was able to go downstairs, outside and onto this person's dock and still get a decent signal.

 

[Aenygma]

Well thats certainly encouraging to hear. Like I said I have read reviews on the Netgear, Linksys, D-link, and one other ooo I can't recall it's name right now. They all had pro's and cons but the Linksys did edge them out.


Just fearful of them making some MAJOR revision. (We would like to implement this sooner rather than later)

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: wyst
Yes, I must admit "having" the newest does have an appeal (can't help it). Though as I said we do transfer large files occasionaly (esp my wife with her work)

I have been reading on planet-8011 and they seem pretty excited about 802.11g as well.

It is supposed to get Final approval in the first week of June... I wonder how long it would take from then for the final draft revision products to make it to the shelf?

your wife's files are going out to the internet, or to another computer on the local network? If these files are going out to the internet, then unless you have a huge upload and download connection, 802.11b is still faster than your internet connection.

 

[SaigonK]

A simple answer for you: NO!

It isnt a standard yet, everyone might tell you "well the stuff you buy now should be firmware upgradeable" but that is just a guess.
Wait a few months for everything to be ratified by IEEE

 

[Aenygma]

I would just like to say first off, that I have asked this question on 3 different forums, and its amazing the differences in replies one sees. I must say here at anandtech the responses here have been the most "conservative". Most of the other forums have been "go for it" And then go on to talk about their own experiences with "g".

Having said all that, I do respsect and appreciate the responses I have received here just as much. (Just something I noticed and thought I would share)

We are totally commited to getting "g" be it now or a lil down the road.

We do transfer large files around a bit, but even still I would rather have the standard that I am confident will eventually become the dominant one.

Only problem is, as I stated, we do want to implement this sooner rather than later, and just a lil worried since they have not reached the final draft. (Or perhaps they wont make any change, but still.)

I have done research on the ones available, and it seems the Linksys tri-band one does the best in throughput, and distance.

 

[slunk]

Go for it. I'm not sure how good of a manufacturer Buffalo is, but they guarantee their current equipment to meet official standard when it becomes adopted. They will either produce a firmware upgrade or replace the equipment if necessary.

http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/airstation/wbrg54.php

 

[Grant]

I've been thinking about replacing my Linsys BEFSR41 with either the linksys wireless router (WRT54G) or the Buffalo (WBR G54). They both look pretty good and i know that the linksys will work with my current system. I have a zyxel prestige 600 DSL modem going to the router. has anyone used the buffalo products before? if so, how about some comments on them.

 

[Aenygma]

Cnet, and Planet80211, did tests on many of them. The LinkSys beat the Buffalo, Netgear and Belkin ones, in throughput, and distance.

We are looking at both the Linksys 54G and the 54AG (the AG for whatever reason did a bit better in throughput and distance, and won the Editors Choice Award.)

 

[JackMDS]

I need to digress.

Editor Choice award? It has nothing to do with past and future, and the best as compare to other technology. It gives the ?award? to one member of the group at hand. It has an informative value, but unfortunately takes into consideration issues (like the quality of the manual, and how nice are the configuration menus). Issues that are not of a big concern to Hobbyists like the guys on this BBS.

Other people experience? Can serve very good purpose if they explain what they use the hardware for, and how it is performing in technological term. ?I bought Linksys and it rockz? is not a technology remark. In most cases I find that these types of statements have to do more with psychological need that some people pursue in order to justify their purchase.

At the moment D-Link and Linksys Hardware seem to perform better than the rest.

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers: Performance

Both companies stated that the current Hardware would be upgraded to the 802.11g standard and WPA in the near future.

The rest is your personal call.

 

[freegeeks]

I agree with JackMDS -- wait a few months --

I have a Linksys G ap and I have problems with a 802.11b bridge

 

[Aenygma]

Well, maybe I didn't type it right? We have not commited to anyone yet. Was just saying based on the research we have done so far, and your link also confirms... the Linksys seems to have the edge right now.

While we would love to be able to wait for as long as it takes, we would like to implement something within the next month or so. Hopefully, whoever we decide on, there wont be any MAJOR changes in the draft...though with our luck......