Your thoughts on Linksys BEFW11S4 vs WRT54G

[Asharus]

I finally cracked down and bought a BEFW11S4 w/ the Linksys Wireless B Game Adapter. I have a WRT54G at home, and I'm using it to hardwire my Xbox for Live, etc. The BEFW11S4 is for my girlfriend's house, for when I bring my Xbox over once in a while.

Is there really a big difference between the Wireless B & G? The WRT54G is much more expensive, along w/ the Wireless G Game Adapter. The only reason I have a WRT54G at home is because I inherited it.

FYI the router was $49.99 after MIR and the Game Adapter was $59.99 at Amazon.

 

[arcenite]

you will only notice a difference if you're transferring big files over a large amount of time while gaming while you defrag your computer.

Bill

 

[JackMDS]

802.11b vs. 802.11g.

The following refers to Entry Level Systems that are usually equipped with > 50mW radios, come with 2dbi antennae, and cost bellow $100.

For Internet surfing it does mot matter b or g since in most cases Internet broadband connection is slower than the capacity of 802.11b.

For traffic across Internal LAN, using 802.11g yields significantly faster files transfer.

As a frame of reference. The Transfer "Speed" of a Good Windows based 100Mb/sec. Network is 70 to 80Mb/sec.

These are the most common used Wireless standard and their official rating.

802.11b = 11Mb/sec. Network "Speed" (Carrier 2.4GHz) Real yield 4-6 Mb/sec.

802.11g = 54Mb/sec. Network "Speed" (Carrier 2.4GHz) Real yield 18-22Mb/sec.

Wireless Ethernet takes additional over head for its operation. Since it is not as stable as Wired it needs extra processing procedures. As a result the "Reall Speed" is respectively lower than Wired Network.

***Does 802.11g provides more Distance than 802.11b?***

The answer is Yes and No.

Since the Carrier frequency and the Power Output of 802.11b and 802.11g hardware are similar, the general distance that they cover is similar.

That means that if you have an envioroment that "Kills" 2.4GHz signal, it will "Kill" them both.

However, if you have a weak unusable 801.11b signal at 50? (just a numerical example) 802.11g might provide a working signal at the same distance since it provides more bandwidth.

Log the following page. The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g

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

Notice how the D-Link and Netgear Super G Stick above the rest of the Crowd.

Note. If you go with Super G all Wireless units should be of the same Brand.

At the moment the best performance for the price is: D-Link Extreme G Bundle Kit ($87 after rebate)

Bundle= Super G Wireless Cable/DSL Router + Super G capable PCMCIA Cardbus.

On Distance in general.

2.4Ghz. is the microwave band; it looses energy on Water molecules. It is susceptible to 2.4GHz noise, and there is a lot of it around (Microwaves, Cordless Phones, etc.)

Indoor, No obstructions (no walls, or Baroque type furniture), it will go up to 100' -120'

Once walls get in to the equation it is a fast decline.

One or two "flimsy" (i.e. not concrete full of metal) walls will yield 40-70'.

Three walls or more? You never know until you try.

If you are almost there, a good external Antenna can save you.

Outdoor with Entry Level Equipment as is out of the box. You can get above 100'

With Direct line of sight using High towers and very good directional Antennae it can work for few miles.

Link: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link: Wireless Security for the Home User.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

:light:

 

[Asharus]

Thanks.