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    What's the difference between the 3 Wifi adapters?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by K_Swiss, Mar 22, 2008.

  1. K_Swiss

    K_Swiss Notebook Guru

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    Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
    ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe
    Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

    Is one better than the other?
     
    K_Swiss, Mar 22, 2008
    #1
  2. mr_bots

    mr_bots Notebook Evangelist

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    They're all good cards; however, I'd get the Intel 4965AGN because it supports the wifi N standard, the others are last gen. Hardly anything uses the N standard yet though because its still in its draft phase, but since intel already released a wireless card I don't see the standard changing much, if any. Also, I don't like buying things that are outdated before I place order.
     
    mr_bots, Mar 22, 2008
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  3. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Actually, there are a number of draft N routers, and a number of different chipsets that support draft N. Just because Intel released a card doesn't mean the draft specification won't change.

    The 3945 is an excellent card, especially if you do not have a draft N network. The N specification doesn't make any real difference for standard internet browsing - it only shines during file transfers within a network, like streaming video or transferring large files between machines. If you plan on making an "N" network, stick with components from the same manufacturer or chipset. For instance, if you buy a D-Link DIR-655 router, you need to buy a D-Link Xtreme wifi card (or a card with the Atheros 5418 chipset) to connect at 300mbps. Any other card will max out at 130mbps. It is also important to know that if any "G" card connects to an "N" network, the entire network will be limited to 54mbps.
     
    kegobeer, Mar 22, 2008
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