which router, G or N?

Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the N
? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to my
desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
around my house as I take LT with me.
thanks in advance

G is more established, N is up and coming. N is theoretically faster
but still a draft standard so there is a risk that if you buy an N
router you might end up with one that doesn't perfectly align with the
final standard.

Does your laptop support N? If so, get a router that works with that
specific laptop's implementation of N. If not...then an N router
probably won't help you right now so you might as well just get a G.

--
-Ben-
Ben M. Schorr, MVP
Roland Schorr & Tower
http://www.rolandschorr.com
http://www.officeforlawyers.com
Author - The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Outlook 2007:
http://tinyurl.com/5m3f5q



"Nicdig" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed):

> Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
> will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the N
> ? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
> too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
> Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to my
> desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
> around my house as I take LT with me.
> thanks in advance

Nicdig wrote:
> Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
> will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the N
> ? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
> too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
> Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to my
> desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
> around my house as I take LT with me.
> thanks in advance
>
>

These letters refer to specifications established by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for wireless networks.

G (or more accurately 802.11g) is the most commonly used standard for
home-based wireless networks today. It uses the 2.4 GHz radio band, has
a maximum bitrate of 54 megabits per second, and has medium range.

N (802.11n) is not actually an agreed-upon specification yet. The IEEE
engineers are still arguing. That, however, has not stopped wireless
equipment manufacturers from making devices that comply with the *draft*
specification. These devices are both considerably faster and have
better range than 802.11g devices.

For a somewhat biased overview (it is after all from Linksys, a wireless
equipment manufacturer who is trying to sell its products), see:
http://tinyurl.com/2xz9ng

Both G and N routers will work with either XP or Vista. On the other
hand, if you have a laptop with built-in wireless, you need to find out
what that hardware is capable of. If your laptop has an 802.11n
wireless adapter, then you can use either a wireless-g or a wireless-n
router. You will get more speed and range from the wireless-n. If your
laptop only is capable of wireless-g, I suggest not wasting your money
on a wireless-n router.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

smlunatick wrote:
> ........ if you ever get an Intel
> Centrino based laptop, most 11n routers will not let it connect pass
> 54,0Mbps speed. This is the 11g wireless speeds.

New Centrino adapters, the 4965 or later, are fully N capable and can
work at N speeds, in both 5 and 2.4 GHz bands. The 3945 or earlier do
only G.

Regards,
--PA

smlunatick wrote:
> On Aug 19, 5:24 pm, Lem <lemp40@unknownhost> wrote:
>> Nicdig wrote:
>>> Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
>>> will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the N
>>> ? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
>>> too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
>>> Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to my
>>> desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
>>> around my house as I take LT with me.
>>> thanks in advance
>> These letters refer to specifications established by the Institute of
>> Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for wireless networks.
>>
>> G (or more accurately 802.11g) is the most commonly used standard for
>> home-based wireless networks today. It uses the 2.4 GHz radio band, has
>> a maximum bitrate of 54 megabits per second, and has medium range.
>>
>> N (802.11n) is not actually an agreed-upon specification yet. The IEEE
>> engineers are still arguing. That, however, has not stopped wireless
>> equipment manufacturers from making devices that comply with the *draft*
>> specification. These devices are both considerably faster and have
>> better range than 802.11g devices.
>>
>> For a somewhat biased overview (it is after all from Linksys, a wireless
>> equipment manufacturer who is trying to sell its products), see:http://tinyurl.com/2xz9ng
>>
>> Both G and N routers will work with either XP or Vista. On the other
>> hand, if you have a laptop with built-in wireless, you need to find out
>> what that hardware is capable of. If your laptop has an 802.11n
>> wireless adapter, then you can use either a wireless-g or a wireless-n
>> router. You will get more speed and range from the wireless-n. If your
>> laptop only is capable of wireless-g, I suggest not wasting your money
>> on a wireless-n router.
>>
>> --
>> Lem -- MS-MVP
>>
>> To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_.../compessay.htm
>
> It must be note that there are two standards for the 802.11n wireless
> network. The older 2.4Ghz network and the newer 5.0Ghz band. The
> 5.0Ghz is supposed to be mre interferrenace free (from cell phone,
> cordless phones and microwares.) Howeve, if you ever get an Intel
> Centrino based laptop, most 11n routers will not let it connect pass
> 54,0Mbps speed. This is the 11g wireless speeds.

It's not quite correct to say that there are two standards for 802.11n
(putting aside that it's not yet a standard at all). 802.11a uses 5 GHz
(this isn't new; it's been around since 1999). 802.11b and 802.11g use
2.4 GHz. 802.11n can use *both* 2.4 and 5 GHz, either separately or
simultaneously. There are a few simultaneous "dual-band" draft-n
devices that have come to market recently, including the Linksys WRT610N
and the D-Link DIR-855.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

Hi
In general I do not think that currently buying a Draft-N device is a Good
move.
To benefit from the N component both Wireless Router and Computer Wireless
Card has to be Draft-N.
A pair of those goes from almost $200 with $80-$100 for additional good
card, and then taking the risk that some of the last changes before the
802.11n standard would deem the investment a Bust.
Technologically 802.11n improve the transfer speed between Local computers
(It does not improve Internet Speed).
Thus, if someone really uses the Wireless for serious LAN work it might be a
consideration to get a Drfat-N, otherwise to save few seconds on casual
transfer it does not worth the investment.
Second advantage of N might be coverage. However the expectations are really
exaggerated. In most cases if the environment is highly unfriendly to
Wireless switching from g to N is Not going to yield dramatic improvement.
At this point I personally use a good 802,1g device rather than going the N
way.
Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)

"Nicdig" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
> will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the
> N
> ? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
> too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
> Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to
> my
> desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
> around my house as I take LT with me.
> thanks in advance
>
>

smlunatick wrote:
> On Aug 20, 2:23 am, "Pavel A." <pave...@NOfastmailNO.fm> wrote:
>> smlunatick wrote:
>>> ........ if you ever get an Intel
>>> Centrino based laptop, most 11n routers will not let it connect pass
>>> 54,0Mbps speed. This is the 11g wireless speeds.
>> New Centrino adapters, the 4965 or later, are fully N capable and can
>> work at N speeds, in both 5 and 2.4 GHz bands. The 3945 or earlier do
>> only G.
>>
>> Regards,
>> --PA
>
> No the 4965 AGN is not working at N speeds. I have been trying to
> find a route that will give the full 300 Mbps access speeds to an
> 4865AGN adapter. I have found that must will only do 11g 54 Mbps
> access speeds and the D-Link routers will only do 130Mbps.
>
> Do you know of a router model that works with the 4965AGN adpter @ 300
> Mbps?

Hmm. Definitely, I was guilty for not eating enough of own dogfood...
Not sure about 300 Mbps, the highest practical rates we've seen
in the lab, were 200+ Mbps.
Will post here if I recall what routers we tested against, and more details.

Anyway, 4965 is actively supported, if some widespread N router
has problems with it, the manufacturers know the address...
It is possible that some pre-N router models were tuned to work
with specific pre-N adapters, but not with others.
The "N" technology is complex and very, very hard to get right.

Regards,
--PA

Finally, got a reply from someone who should know this product
( no wonder, so terribly busy they are... )

They confirm that 4965 showed sustained throughput of
slightly above 200 mbps against Cisco 1250 AP,
it was about half a year ago.

Also, multiple SKUs of 4965 exist for several system builders and
several markets; they may behave differently in specific situations.
Different machines may vary in physical layout
of antennas, this also can visibly affect operation in N mode.


Regards,
--pa



Pavel A. wrote:
> smlunatick wrote:
>> On Aug 20, 2:23 am, "Pavel A." <pave...@NOfastmailNO.fm> wrote:
>>> smlunatick wrote:
>>>> ........ if you ever get an Intel
>>>> Centrino based laptop, most 11n routers will not let it connect pass
>>>> 54,0Mbps speed. This is the 11g wireless speeds.
>>> New Centrino adapters, the 4965 or later, are fully N capable and can
>>> work at N speeds, in both 5 and 2.4 GHz bands. The 3945 or earlier do
>>> only G.
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>> --PA
>>
>> No the 4965 AGN is not working at N speeds. I have been trying to
>> find a route that will give the full 300 Mbps access speeds to an
>> 4865AGN adapter. I have found that must will only do 11g 54 Mbps
>> access speeds and the D-Link routers will only do 130Mbps.
>>
>> Do you know of a router model that works with the 4965AGN adpter @ 300
>> Mbps?
>
> Hmm. Definitely, I was guilty for not eating enough of own dogfood...
> Not sure about 300 Mbps, the highest practical rates we've seen
> in the lab, were 200+ Mbps.
> Will post here if I recall what routers we tested against, and more
> details.
>
> Anyway, 4965 is actively supported, if some widespread N router
> has problems with it, the manufacturers know the address...
> It is possible that some pre-N router models were tuned to work
> with specific pre-N adapters, but not with others.
> The "N" technology is complex and very, very hard to get right.
>
> Regards,
> --PA

I am writing this letter to ALL Wireless Router manufacturers.
I have a Linksys Wireless Router Model:BEFW11S4. It is 7 years (yes, count
them, all of seven little years) old. I have visited the Linksys website
numerous times trying to set up the WEP/WPA security on that wireless router
(as all responsible wireless router owners should!). I found that there are
no links to any wireless router setting websites that are congruent with the
screen shots from Linksys' own self help technical support site. I have had
to call Linksys several times to resolve this issue only to be placed on hold
for lengthy times (sometimes my call was dropped and I had to start over ....
how sad for such a large company to have such poorly trained phone
receptionists!), then be transferred (see previous comment about the phone
receptionists) to a supposed supervisor, only to finally be transferred to
someone who tells me that the warranty has expired and wants me to pay $40.00
for the technical support to do the right thing that I want and need to do.
First, the device works fine (as evidenced by this e-mail that you have
just received)!
Second, why should I have to pay for doing the right thing?
Third, if I am going to be EXTORTED into buying a new wireless router so
that I can do the right thing and set up an encryption key for a secure
network, what on Gods' Green Earth makes anyone think that I would CHOOSE to
buy another Linksys product when ALL that I have ever received from them is a
functional wireless router (yes, even after seven whole years) and the
crappiest Customer Service/Technical Support I have ever had the displeasure
to encounter!
I shall copy this letter and try to find as many Chat Rooms as possible in
order to spread the word of ALL that I have gone through with the Chain of
Command at the Linksys phone center, well above and beyond what any
reasonable person should expect to go through, and still have NO RELIEF
concerning my singular issue with their product and its capabilities that I
SHOULD be able to enjoy as the owner of said product! What has happend to
"The Customer Is Always Right" Customer Service mantra (I can't say "In
America" because the call was handled in India)? Is the Customer, the ones
that makes the company what it is through the purchase of products, so
worthless to the company that they can just be treated with abject contempt
and scorn? Is the Customer to thus be trampled underfoot? Are we paying to
be so abused? I, for one (yes, one, the beginning of all), shall NOT be
treated in such manner, and CERTAINLY shall NOT PAY to be treated as such!
In this world of expanding technologies, it shall be those with the
GREATEST Customer Appeal that shall continue to be found worthwile in the
publics' eyes (and pocketbooks) and shall grow to meet the demands of a
growing world - ESPECIALLY in the Electronics Department!
It is now my strongest desire that the Linksys Corporation suffers
irreparable damage and goes out of business for their Crappy Customer
Service! I can only hope that I reach enough people around the world to bring
this desire true!

"Nicdig" wrote:

> Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
> will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the N
> ? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
> too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
> Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to my
> desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
> around my house as I take LT with me.
> thanks in advance
>
>
>

I am writing this letter to ALL Wireless Router manufacturers.
I have a Linksys Wireless Router Model:BEFW11S4. It is 7 years (yes, count
them, all of seven little years) old. I have visited the Linksys website
numerous times trying to set up the WEP/WPA security on that wireless router
(as all responsible wireless router owners should!). I found that there are
no links to any wireless router setting websites that are congruent with the
screen shots from Linksys' own self help technical support site. I have had
to call Linksys several times to resolve this issue only to be placed on hold
for lengthy times (sometimes my call was dropped and I had to start over ....
how sad for such a large company to have such poorly trained phone
receptionists!), then be transferred (see previous comment about the phone
receptionists) to a supposed supervisor, only to finally be transferred to
someone who tells me that the warranty has expired and wants me to pay $40.00
for the technical support to do the right thing that I want and need to do.
First, the device works fine (as evidenced by this e-mail that you have
just received)!
Second, why should I have to pay for doing the right thing?
Third, if I am going to be EXTORTED into buying a new wireless router so
that I can do the right thing and set up an encryption key for a secure
network, what on Gods' Green Earth makes anyone think that I would CHOOSE to
buy another Linksys product when ALL that I have ever received from them is a
functional wireless router (yes, even after seven whole years) and the
crappiest Customer Service/Technical Support I have ever had the displeasure
to encounter!
I shall copy this letter and try to find as many Chat Rooms as possible in
order to spread the word of ALL that I have gone through with the Chain of
Command at the Linksys phone center, well above and beyond what any
reasonable person should expect to go through, and still have NO RELIEF
concerning my singular issue with their product and its capabilities that I
SHOULD be able to enjoy as the owner of said product! What has happend to
"The Customer Is Always Right" Customer Service mantra (I can't say "In
America" because the call was handled in India)? Is the Customer, the ones
that makes the company what it is through the purchase of products, so
worthless to the company that they can just be treated with abject contempt
and scorn? Is the Customer to thus be trampled underfoot? Are we paying to
be so abused? I, for one (yes, one, the beginning of all), shall NOT be
treated in such manner, and CERTAINLY shall NOT PAY to be treated as such!
In this world of expanding technologies, it shall be those with the
GREATEST Customer Appeal that shall continue to be found worthwile in the
publics' eyes (and pocketbooks) and shall grow to meet the demands of a
growing world - ESPECIALLY in the Electronics Department!
It is now my strongest desire that the Linksys Corporation suffers
irreparable damage and goes out of business for their Crappy Customer
Service! I can only hope that I reach enough people around the world to bring
this desire true!

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." wrote:

> Hi
> In general I do not think that currently buying a Draft-N device is a Good
> move.
> To benefit from the N component both Wireless Router and Computer Wireless
> Card has to be Draft-N.
> A pair of those goes from almost $200 with $80-$100 for additional good
> card, and then taking the risk that some of the last changes before the
> 802.11n standard would deem the investment a Bust.
> Technologically 802.11n improve the transfer speed between Local computers
> (It does not improve Internet Speed).
> Thus, if someone really uses the Wireless for serious LAN work it might be a
> consideration to get a Drfat-N, otherwise to save few seconds on casual
> transfer it does not worth the investment.
> Second advantage of N might be coverage. However the expectations are really
> exaggerated. In most cases if the environment is highly unfriendly to
> Wireless switching from g to N is Not going to yield dramatic improvement.
> At this point I personally use a good 802,1g device rather than going the N
> way.
> Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)
>
> "Nicdig" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Hi, I have to get a wireless router and the question I have is which one
> > will work with XP or VIsta. is it the one that has the G at the end or the
> > N
> > ? WHat is the difference. I think N is newer but will the G routers work
> > too with any machine? Also, does it matter what OS i have (XP or
> > Vista)....My internet service is cable and I used to have it hooked up to
> > my
> > desktop wired. But, I bought a Laptop with wireless and want to use it
> > around my house as I take LT with me.
> > thanks in advance
> >
> >
>
>