wireless or not?

Currently, we have 2 desktops and 2 laptops at home and we are on a non-wireless router. my main concern is that when i switch to wireless will the speed of the internet slow down? because i know that the wireless is only 54mbps compared to the one with cables which has a connection of 100 mbps. i also transfer files through the network by sharing certain harddrives. so will i able to do this still on a wireless network?

 

From personal experience I notice that the speed can decrease if the computer is on the edge of the router's range. I guess it depends on how strong the signal is for each computer. Wired networks are noted for being faster than wireless, also.

 

first of all you can get routers that will run upto 108 mb/s so you can have the ability to run at the same speed as you are now...plus if you want extra speed do not get a usb connection for your wireless in your desktops....the reception is no where near the same as it is in a pci card

 

Unless you have some ungodly fast internet connection you will not notice a difference in downloads or surfing speeds. Where you may notice a difference would be if you are transferring files between computers on your network. There you will notice a change from the 100Mb baseT connection to the 54 Mb wireless-G connection. But yes you will still be able to transfer files, depending on how large they are you may notice a difference.

The other posters have a valid point about signal strength. Make sure you buy decent cards and a good router. But, for all the worries, wireless is mighty nice.

 

Agreed, internet should not be affected but file transfers between computers will. If you go with all Linksys SRX(my recommendation from LOTS of testing) gear or similar from another company you can see VERY solid longer range connections with 108 speeds as fast as your wired connection.