Firmware Update When Wireless N Finalized?

Hi Folks,

My main question: I am getting a new MBP, and it supports draft wireless n. If there are significant changes by the time the N standard is finalized, will a firmware update bring my MBP up to speed, or will it be stuck at the draft stage? I ask because if it's stuck at the draft stage, I'm thinking it's probably better to get a compatible draft n router now. Otherwise, I am more inclined to wait.

Now for general opinions. Basically, in the near future my home network will look like this. 2 wired PC's and 1 wireless laptop, plus 2-4 other laptops on occasion.

1 Wired PC will be a data server on windows (xp or server 2003 depending on what kind of deal I can get) running a vpn, ftp server, and some torrent traffic (not super heavy). Locked away in a cupboard with no monitor or anything.

Other wired PC on windows will be the everything computer - DAW, CAD, home entertainment unit (wired into the TV and stereo).

MBP will be used about 50/50 OS X and windows and wireless. Don't mind plugging it in if there is a big bunch of data to transfer.

I want to keep the "My documents" folder synced between all three computers (any good software reccommendations?), and backup my recordings and such to the data server. Aside from many GB of inital file juggling, I would only expect there to be absolute max 500-800mb of data to sync at the end of a day. My apartment is a pretty small 1 level unit so range shouldn't be an issue.

So, given the above usage, wireless g or wireless n? I am considering either the Linksys WRT54GL for g, or something like the D-Link DIR-655 for n. The nice thing is gigabit lan ports on the D-Link, but I have doubts about the quality of the lan ports, and it also costs twice as much. A third option is to get a kickass wired router and then use any older wireless router to provide wireless service.

Thanks!

DD

 

It's very unlucky any mfg will provide final N firmware updates but there is always a possiblity whether new hardware is needed or not. I personally would not recommend draft N until then.

Instead of syncing your document folder, might I suggest keeping your documents centralized on your Windows server and accessing them through a mapped network drive? If not syncing 500-800MB worth of data isn't a a big deal even wireless G is enough to reasonably handle the traffic.

 

Do you mean updates for the router or the laptop card? I realize it's unlikely for the router, I was mainly asking about the laptop with respect to future compatibility. I realize possible and probable are different things, but if compatibility with the final N standard is not even possible, there is no point in waiting for a final N router, unless I decide to tear apart my MBP to replace the wireless card. Not keen on doing that to a $3k laptop.

I do plan to map the data server drive, but my experience with the stability of such an arrangement is pretty variable (mostly depending on the network administrator's competency, and I am not terribly competent). So, until I gain more confidence with the arrangement, I want to be sure that I have everything I need locally so that at 2am, with the project due the next day, I don't have to waste time regaining access to the file server.

 

I haven't come across any network adapter with upgradable firmware yet. I can't say for sure but you'll likely have to replace the AirPort Extreme card in your MBP once revisions are made. As with any draft N products, you'll get the maximum performance and compatibility if you stay with the same make. What you gain from the wait for a Final N router is compatibility with 3rd party adapters.

As for synchronizing your documents between 3 computers, would a program such as this ( http://www.peersoftware.com/) help you at all?

 

I think the MBP card will be upgradeable to final spec. The only issue is how much of the mac resources will be required to handle the spec. As for the router I would hold off. It may not have enough cpu or ram to handle the final spec. We went through this when we moved from 11b to 11g. So I don't trust a word the mfg say. There only agenda is to sell products, maybe twice.

As far as folder sync I use NAS servers for that. On the PC side I use MS synctoy (free). I'm not up on the OSX, may be built into it.

 

cool. thanks for your input you guys!

i decided the 100 dollar difference between the wrt54gl and the dir-655 would be better spent adding another 320gb drive to make a raid 5 array for the data server.

still trying to sort out exactly what i need/want for the file syncing. synctoy looks goo for windows, and maybe i'll just do all my syncing through windows.