What do I need to connect my notebook?

I just purchased a new notebook and I need to find out what I need to do to connect it to my home network. I have never had a notebook before so I don't know a lot about this subject. I am assuming I need to get a wireless router now?? What is a good one to get? Should I get a "G" or "N" one? Any help in this area would be great.

 

A linksys G router would work fine.

 

Get N if your Internet connection is fast... If youre on basic DSL or basic cable then G would suffice... Over all though N is faster, longer ranged and more stable...

 

N would only be beneficial on your home network, as far as internet, G should be fine

 

hi

what notebook ?

what OS ?

what card?

what do you have in your home network?

what are your internet speeds?


ann

 

Before someone hurts themselves in here, lets get a few things straight. First, unless you have the internet connection of a god, any wireless network will be fast enough. Most people have an internet connection of roughly 1 MBPS. Wireless B is capable of 11 MBPS. Wireless G is capable of 54 MBPS. Wireless N is capable of 108 MBPS (if they finally actually set some standards, I think).

So, that said, buy whatever is cheapest if this is just for basic surfing on the net. If you do use it for things like streaming video, there are some speed considerations necessary. I am of the opinion that 802.11G will be sufficient. However, you also need to consider the card in the laptop. If you have a G card in the computer, there is little to no utility in buying an N router (everything is based on the weakest link). N might have a better range, but again, if your laptop doesn't have a card that is compatible, it does you no good.

 

Actually, N is capable of 300mbps. G has already achieved 108mbps, with MIMO.

 

See, even more reason not to go out and buy N.

 

I don't follow your line of reasoning. N allows faster file transfers, so that's why you shouldn't get N?

 

11n Only benefits those users who have to transfers large files between LOCAL computers. For 99% of the users 11g will do the job very well. And if you really have large files your going to use GigE if you have it. I think th survey on here on speed of ISP connections showed most users between the 2-5mpbs. This speed can be covered with 11b. But 11b has a lot of problems with security, so 11g is the choice that most use.

As for distance 11n does not have any more range than a GOOD 11g router with the latest MIMO tech. If you decide to jump to the 5ghz, you will loose speed faster as you get further away and it does not penetrate walls as well as 2.4. This is a freq thing, has nothing to do with what device you are using.

Now if your NB has a 11n card I would suggest getting a 11n, but maybe not till the spec is finalized and the new hardware is being shipped pre installed with final firmware. 11n still has a lot of driver issues. So expect problems.

I don't know how many of you were aware of all of the problems when 11g was finallized. There was a good number of 11g draft routers that could not handle the finallized code properly. I'm hopping the mfg learned something from it. Buy my guess they will (are) go bare min on hw with there current firmware to maximsize there profits. Only the more expensive models will have a better change of handling the finallized code with out any problems.

Just because you can smell the roses, beware of the hidden dangers. Their is a bee inside awaiting to sting.

 

The reasoning was that G can handle up to 108 MBPS, which is faster than most people really need. Honestly, why spend so much more on a buggy router for a speed increase that likely won't matter.
Obviously N is faster, but how often will the OP use that, and is it worth all the potential problems that blue68f100 pointed out? I think not.