Wireless router question........ Options

[manphibian]

I've got a netgear router that i've had for a few years, pretty standard one, 802.11g i think........

My question is, is it worth upgrading to a faster 802.11n router?

I'm on 10MB cable broadband, which does run consistently at 10mb when wired, and i run the PS3, a laptop, and the iphone occasionally.....

Would it make the wireless noticeably faster? Or is there no point with only a 10MB connection?

[GriffGirl]

From what I understand, as long as what you're connecting to the wireless N is N compatible and not just G, then yes, it's worth the upgrade.

Have you checked cnet to see what they say? They're a GREAT source for this kind of info and opinions. http://www.cnet.com

[Tech-Nics]

I upgraded from my 6 year old Linksys WRT-54G and went to the Netgear WRN-2000N router. It's certainly faster and handles more network stress. I have 3 xbox360, 2 of them running wireless the other one straight wired then I have 3 computers running wireless and a 4th one wired. I can say this router handles like a champ. I have OOL 30mb down and 15mb up and it runs solid. Certainly worth the upgrade. You can find one for just about $60-$70 at Radio shed. Just make sure you keep your firmware up to date. I would go for it man.

[96bluevert]

Your network is only as fast as your slowest hardware.

If your router is capable of say 50mb , but your broadband speed is limited to 10mb, then no matter what router you have, you will be limited to 10mb.

I'd say upgrade your plan and then buy a new router, that will help a lot.

[95CelicaST]

What Matt said. Your internet connection is your bottleneck, and switching up the router won't speed that up.

However, having a 802.11n router and other n-capable hardware on your intranet you will see benefits, but most people arent running and transferring big files between multiple wireless systems on their intranet, so again I find no need.

I would say wait a year or so until they standardize 802.11ac and then upgrade.

[Supersprynt]

I'd only go with N if you're having connectivity issues. You'd also have to get the N adapter card to have any real benefit.

[manphibian]

Cool, ok. i'll leave it for now......

Just wondering if it would make much difference. I know 10mb isn't that much, but it's generally enough for what i do....

Main thing that annoys me is downloading big files on the PS3, guess i could plug it in to speed it up a bit..............

[Cs91]

Well, there are simply only the most expensive N routers that can run With N technology with ur setup. A regular N router will only be as good as your weakest link. For the router to run at N speeds, you will need your whole system to run as N, if you got 1 link running with a G receiver, the whole router will go into G mode. Only the better router such as a Dlink DIR-855 ( which got dual band technology) running at both 2,4 Ghz And a separate N only 5Ghz network will be able to work with BOTH N and B/G at the same time. Nevertheless a N router will always be an upgrade to signal strengh since they have more antennas that will cover more ground. If you want more info just Pm me or answer here, ill try to explain and give some advice. But since having a PS3 which is a running g, your N router will turn into g modus while having it on, slowing your whole system. To keep it simple. To take advantage of N, you either need your whole home network to be running N, or a more expensive router such as the Dlink DIR-855

This post has been edited by Cs91: Dec 8, 2009 - 5:22 PM

[SwissFerdi]

The only problem with my PS3 (using 802.11g router) is that huuuuuuge things like system updates refuse to download, I have to wire it straight to the modem for that. The wired PC is always off, but my laptop is always on and another laptop sometimes is as well, so that kills online play.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Dec 8, 2009 - 7:54 PM

[Hanyo]

the only reason i would upgrade is why my router starts losing connections and freezing up.

DD-WRT's new build helped alot with the stability issues.

[lagos]

Look into installing custom firmware on it. I had all kinds of issues with my linksys until I installed this firmware on it. Now its rock solid and runs like a champ.
http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

[Ruroniarc]

Thing is, that even if you update to Wireless N, xbox wireless is only G, and if you don't have an N card, you won't receive any of the benefit, except for increase range. Which, I can tell you, is barely worth it.

So -- Recap:

If you have a Wireless N card in your computer, get a Wireless N router.
If you have a Wireless G card in your computer, but have problems with range, not speed, get a Wireless N router.
Your XBox will go NO FASTER! Wirelessly because it can not connect to the N band on your Wireless N router. It will still connect to the router, because most times the router will broadcast both N and G bands.