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    Just a bit of info on 802.11n...

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by H3rmaN, Nov 14, 2007.

  1. H3rmaN

    H3rmaN Notebook Evangelist

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    Right, I've noticed a lot of peeps are buying 802.11n wireless cards with their new laptops, however, im unsure how many of you already know this, but I thought I would share this for those that didn't.

    802.11n is NOT an IEEE (Institute of Electical and Electronic Engineers) standard YET!

    So if you buy an 802.11n wireless router/card it will only be using DRAFT standards, NOT official ones!

    The implication of this means that when the standard is finalised, your 802.11n wireless stuff MIGHT not be compatable!

    So before you go spending your hard earned cash on a 802.11n wireless router or card, remember that you buy it at your own risk! And that when 802.11n does become an official IEEE standard, your wireless card in your new notebook MIGHT not work with the 802.11n routers in libraries, airports, etc....

    Personally I would wait, then fit an aftermarket card when it does become an IEEE standard.
     
    H3rmaN, Nov 14, 2007
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  2. adinu

    adinu I pwn teh n00bs.

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    It is a well known fact that wireless N is still not standard yet, so yes it is draft.
     
    adinu, Nov 14, 2007
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  3. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    one BIG BIG ISSUE with the draft n cards especially intel 4965 is in order to run full bandwidth it REQUIRES dual band routers. so in essence you will only ever get half the "stated" bandwith. meaning for network use max will be 150 and from what intel has told me for internet speeds it will also show very poor performance when used with a non dual channel or channel bonding router. foir instance i have a 20/5 fios connection.. i can at max settings only get 10mb down and around 1 up.. i have simply removed the card and placed a atheros in its place and i get full 20mb. so if you are getting the n spec cards make fully sure to get a compatable router not just one that says draft n. also look for 2.0 specs which is the current spec
     
    zfactor, Nov 14, 2007
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  4. tebore

    tebore Notebook Evangelist

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    Thing is the N cards are like $10-20 more and even without N routers there are benefits in using them with the G standard like better range.

    To me $20 is worth not having to use a crappy Intel ABG 3945, or Broadcom BG.

    Those N routers have better specs that more of the G routers such as NAS capability,GigE and more RAM. Which make it more capable than most G routers for connecting many computers and streaming video and excellent QoS.

    In most of my posts about N equipment I don't boast about N's speed or it's supposed range increase. It's about what they bring to the table now.

    If you need a router now... and you're not looking to go cheap get an N. If you have a good G router like the Linksys 54G V1 then stick with it.
     
    tebore, Nov 14, 2007
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