The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    "n" Type Wireless Networks

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by HEARTBREAKER, Sep 27, 2006.

  1. HEARTBREAKER

    HEARTBREAKER Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I was just wondering if anyone has internal cards that pick up "n" type wireless networks.

    I heard that, even when they are used with "g" type wireless routers, they provide 50% increase in range and 20% increase in speed.

    Is that true?


    If so, when I am buying an Asus barebone (or any other barebone for that matter), can I purchase an internal wireless card that supports "n" type wireless networks?
     
    HEARTBREAKER, Sep 27, 2006
    #1
  2. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,020
    Messages:
    3,439
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    The 11n standard has not been ratified. So anything you buy today will not meet the std when its ratified. So save your money for now.

    I have read lots of articles on the testing of the 11n hardware. The bottom line is at this time NO. In order to get any gain in speed ( distance is in real limbo) you must use the same mfg hardware. Even the same chip sets they are not compatable. And due to the fact that it must play well with other 11b/g networks you loose the advantage.

    All mfg have stated that there current equipment is not likely to meet the std. Drivers are a big issue right now.

    Save your money.
     
    blue68f100, Sep 27, 2006
    #2
  3. Reezin14

    Reezin14 Crimson Mantle Commander

    Reputations:
    365
    Messages:
    934
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I second blue68f100 statment.Wait til IEEE gets things straight.
     
    Reezin14, Sep 27, 2006
    #3
  4. HEARTBREAKER

    HEARTBREAKER Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Thanks for the clarification, guys. I was too eager to buy an internal wireless network card for my laptop.

    I guess it will be a while before that happens.
     
    HEARTBREAKER, Sep 28, 2006
    #4
  5. Ice-Tea

    Ice-Tea MXM Guru NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    476
    Messages:
    1,260
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    What they said. Some routers log vastly inferior results on b/g cards. Not worth the fuzz right now.
     
    Ice-Tea, Sep 28, 2006
    #5
  6. bridgearoo

    bridgearoo Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    In the same boat as the OP. Any info on when the standard for N will be passed?
     
    bridgearoo, Oct 5, 2006
    #6
  7. Luar

    Luar Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    12
    Messages:
    332
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Its still in debate but expect it by the end of the year.
     
    Luar, Oct 5, 2006
    #7
  8. flyt

    flyt Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    flyt, Oct 5, 2006
    #8
  9. Nrbelex

    Nrbelex Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    217
    Messages:
    1,286
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Well... a few months ago one of my wireless routers crapped out so I decided to get something a little bit more exciting. The Belkin Pre-N router was on sale so I went for it. Since none of the computers in my house currently have anything beyond B capabilities, it was more for the future. However I can still say that the range and speed are marginally better and I've had no compatibility issues. The Belkin firmware is solid and easy to use and the whole device is a lot more friendly than the old Linksys I had. If I ever do get a computer with 802.11n, it will be an added bonus if they're compatible on the N frequency.

    ~ Brett
     
    Nrbelex, Oct 9, 2006
    #9