Updating to Wireless N

[J22]

I'm getting a new wireless N router and will have one laptop with a N card, but another laptop with a G card. I've heard that N routers don't perform well in mixed mode, so should I set the N as the router in N mode only and use the old G router as an access point?

Any tricks to doing this?

 

[JackMDS]

First be aware that there is No-N but Draft N.

That said, the Mix mode issue varies from one device to an other.

Since you have both devices, try both ways and use whatever works well for you.

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
First be aware that there is No-N but Draft N.

That said, the Mix mode issue varies from one device to an other.

Since you have both devices, try both ways and use whatever works well for you.

Jack nailed it. Why exactly do you want to upgrade? Purchasing a wireless N product when we are actually getting closer to truly seeing a ratified standard is not recommended.

If it's because you are getting a wireless N capable laptop and need an AP why not pickup another G to use until N becomes the new standard?

 

[J22]

Why upgrade? Well, partially because of the new laptop, partly because I need something to put on my X-mas list, and partly because I like getting electronic gadgets.

I also understand that everything is draft N until the final standard is released. It appears though that firmware updates will likely get most current generation hardware up to speed. Is this guarenteed? No, but in a year or so you'll be able to get a wireless router for less than $50, so not a big deal if I end up having to upgrade again to get "True N".

I'm just wondering if setting up the G router as an AP is an easy task since I've never tried it. And if not, is there anything I need to know.

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: J22

Why upgrade? Well, partially because of the new laptop, partly because I need something to put on my X-mas list, and partly because I like getting electronic gadgets.

I also understand that everything is draft N until the final standard is released. It appears though that firmware updates will likely get most current generation hardware up to speed. Is this guarenteed? No, but in a year or so you'll be able to get a wireless router for less than $50, so not a big deal if I end up having to upgrade again to get "True N".

I'm just wondering if setting up the G router as an AP is an easy task since I've never tried it. And if not, is there anything I need to know.

Like Jack said it's a hit or miss. Depending on the hardware and what options you are running (i.e. running mixed mode with WDS) it may not work or you might get lucky. I tend to buy at the retailers that have good return policies when introducing new equipment into the home lan.

As far as setting it up if the equipment can do it and you can configure your router to begin with you are good to go.

 

[spidey07]

If you keep buying the Pre-N stuff it only delays the standard longer and further guarantees interoperability problems. It's doubtful the routers will be that cheap because everybody will have to completely redo their radios which are not programmable.

For sure you can setup a G router as an AP only. There is a link already on this page or the next one. It would meet your needs for having both G and pre-nonstandard-N clients for performance reasons. For best results keep you G clients on the lower channel (1) and your N router on the higher ones.

I can't tell you what to set your channels to because I don't know how noisy your environment is.

 

[Madwand1]

SmallNetBuilder: Add, Don't Replace When Upgrading to 802.11n

The article makes a clear case for draft-n taking a hit when standard-g clients connect, or when security other than WPA2 is used. However, they didn't show details of interactions between two separate wireless networks.

The conclusions section has some information and advice on how to set it up.

As others have said, a lot of wireless is trial & error, so you just have to try out different options to evaluate their impact in your circumstances. I'd add that a lot of wireless is simply error, and if you can avoid it, you'll probably be better off.