N card or G card

I have a choice on my laptop of a G wireless card or N (next generation) wireless card. Both are Intel. The N is just a few bucks more. What is the difference?

 

N is faster.
N Requires a N Wireless Router
It will not work with a G Wireless router

 

I have the Linksys WRT160N

 

Are most wireless in the community the N type? Like motels, coffeeshops, etc.

 

I think you will find that the majority of wireless hot spots still use wireless A/B/G technology.

 

Almost all wireless networks use the G frequency as N brings little to the table for businesses and yet requires a total hardware overhaul. Still, the future is with N.

 

N is more future proof.

 

Will G cards work on both N and G?

N will work only on N, is that correct?

 

N itself is an operating frequency, so it isn't "compatible" with any other draft frequency. However, most cards that have N almost always have other frequencies (ex, Intel 5300 b/g/n).

You should check the specs of a given card to tell whether it can operate at a specific frequency. Almost all modern cards operate at G, and N cards are becoming increasingly common.

 

Better choose wireless-N, my notebook has N adapter. and where ever N is not available it connects on G. Most N cards work on A/G/N. Where A is power over ethernet and only used in corporate environment but of no significance to normal usage but has on battery life and area coverage. whereas N is definetly faster and you will be able to connect on G too.

 

I'd recommend N for future proofing.

That being said, 802.11N (or even 802.11G) provides little to no benefit for internet traffic as most users have Internet connections below 3mbps (<802.11b).

The main reason to get 802.11N is to transfer large files between computers in your own house. 802.11N is roughly on par with FastEthernet (100mbps) for this task.

I have a detailed speed comparison in this thread, on my laptop running at both 802.11N (20/40MHz) and 802.11G so that you can get an idea of the real word difference.

 

Here's a related question.... I have a Gateway 450ROG with an Intel wireless b card. I have just upgraded my home router to a D-link "n" standard and was thinking of upgrading the mini pci card in the Gateway. Question is --- how to determine compatibility before buying one? I am hoping that since the unit currently has an Intel card, it will accept a newer b/g/n card from Intel. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

i think it wont work for you bartidog because these cards come seperate from antenna as the note book antenna is built into chassis (main body or back of LCD). N type cards also require the proper antenna to operate on highr freq. Anyway, check before you buy from your manufacturer for any proper upgrade.

 

If you want to upgrade, the easiest solution would be to buy a PCMCIA 802.11N card. This is plug and play, and won't require any substantial effort. I realize that internal is more convenient to use, but it may be difficult to install and set up.

802.11N requires more antennas than 802.11B because of its use of MIMO and simultaneous streams (the keys to its performance). As a result, even if your Gateway would accept an 802.11N internal PCI card, you would probably need to install new antennas for it to work properly (this is not a trivial task).

 

Yeah, just a PCMCIA Card that supports wireless N.

I was going to crack open my computer, change it to Intel 4965agn, rewire the antenna etc etc lalalala... I thought about it but ...

I just end up getting D-Link DWA-652. Its a bit expensive but I think its worth it. The detects a lot more AP around my area and a lot more stable. It also consume less power which means more battery life.

When I am using battery, power saving mode with PCMCIA card, it shows I am using 14.1 volts. If I am using the onboard Intel 3945, it shows I am using 15.7 volts.

 

Sounds good. Thanks for the input. I'll be on the lookout for some "n" pcmcia card deals.

All the best -- C