Member Avatar for bstylez

What are the disadvantages of going with a wireless 802.11n router over a 802.11g ?

I'm am going to purchase a router to set up a basic 2 computer network, but I want to make sure i buy the right type.

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Quick update for anyone finding this old thread: 802.11n (now commonly called “Wi‑Fi 4”) is a finalized, mature standard (ratified in 2009) — so the “draft” worries from 2008 are historical. Choosing an N router today is generally a safe, future‑proof move for a small home network; it gives better range and higher local (LAN) throughput than 802.11g without breaking compatibility with older b/g clients. (en.wikipedia.org)

What N actually brings: multiple‑antenna MIMO, frame aggregation and optional 40 MHz channel bonding. Those features let N deliver much higher theoretical PHY rates (up to 600 Mbps in the spec with four spatial streams), but most consumer kit is 2x2 (300 Mbps theoretical) and real‑world throughput is lower. Also, 40 MHz channel bonding on the crowded 2.4 GHz band can cause interference — the 5 GHz band is where you’ll get the cleanest N gains. (community.cisco.com)

Compatibility caveat (addresses the questions from , and others): N is backward‑compatible with g/b, so older devices will connect, but mixed‑mode operation invokes protection mechanisms that reduce aggregate throughput while legacy clients are active. For highest LAN speeds, use a dual‑radio (2.4 + 5 GHz) appliance and put legacy devices on 2.4 GHz while using 5 GHz for N clients. (smallnetbuilder.com)

Practical buying/setup tips (hands‑on): prefer a dual‑band N unit if budget allows; keep router firmware current; use WPA2‑AES or WPA3 if the router supports it; disable WPS — the PIN method is vulnerable to brute‑force attacks; and add inexpensive USB or PCIe N adapters to upgrade a PC later if needed. If your ISP plan is modest, the biggest benefit will be faster local file transfers and better Wi‑Fi range rather than faster Internet. (sec.cloudapps.cisco.com)

This complements ’s and ’s points about future‑proofing and MIMO while adding setup and security cautions so the N purchase performs reliably in a real home environment.

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Member Avatar for Freaktech

802.11n is backward compatible with 802.11g so if you are going to buy one and the added cost of the 802.11n is not an issue, I would purchase it. I recently had to replace my 802.11g router and did it with a 802.11n even though I do not have an machine that has an N card. Everything works great and I can upgrade to N cards later.

Member Avatar for bstylez

N card meaning what?

Member Avatar for burningleaf

802.11n is better, however it is still in development. Most "n" routers are in "draft" stage at this point. I purchased an "n" router as an upgrade to my "g"router and the performance increase is incredible. I also use several UMA mobile phones on my "n" network as well as heavy video streamline. All this the same time and it works great. That's because of the MIMO technology of the "n" routers. Multiple in Multiple out allows for more stable simultaneous connections the more antennas the modem has. I recommend "n" routers to anyone even if their devices do not yet support it.

Member Avatar for Freaktech

N card meaning what?

The wireless cards in your laptop or desktop.

Member Avatar for bstylez

Well i don't have an N wireless card in my laptop or Desktop, so I should go with the regular g/b routers, right?

Member Avatar for Freaktech

Well i don't have an N wireless card in my laptop or Desktop, so I should go with the regular g/b routers, right?

No the N router is compatible with a b/g card and if you wanted to upgrade your card later you would already have the router.

Member Avatar for bstylez

Well i don't have an N wireless card in my laptop or Desktop, so I should go with the regular g/b routers, right?

ohhhh... I see. That makes sense! Then N router it is.. any suggestions? I'm not trying to spend alot of money on it.

Member Avatar for burningleaf

Linksys makes the best consumer products in my opinion. I have been an IT admin for several years and have worked with most brands. Try the model at this link, it is a solid performer. Linksys WRT160n

Member Avatar for bstylez

I'm going to order this or this . They are both from Wal-mart.

When purchasing a router, do I need to get any accessories?

Member Avatar for Freaktech

I'm going to order this or this . They are both from Wal-mart.

When purchasing a router, do I need to get any accessories?

I would not recommend a belkin. They have a bad habit of dying. I would recommend a linksys or netgear. No you don't need any accessories.

Member Avatar for RyanV

And are n cards compatible with g and b routers?

Member Avatar for jbennet

i dont think N works with B, but definately with G

i reccomend linksys. Ive got a WRT54G

Member Avatar for Freaktech

Yes the cards are compatible with B and G routers, though you will only get the slower through put of the router.

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