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Upgrading router but not wireless cards?

Discussion in 'Networking (Hardware & Software)' started by PDubs, 2008/01/12.

  1. 2008/01/12
    PDubs

    PDubs Inactive Thread Starter

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    I'm pretty sure this is a stupid question, but I want to be sure before I pluck down the cash. I currently have a Netgear wireless G (plain jane) and it works fine. I was looking to increase the range and speed so I was thinking about getting the Netgear RangeMAX (or similar, just something better).

    The question though, is whether or not my wireless (built-in, b/g) cards will take advantage of any of it? My few-year-old laptop has an internal wireless card. Would I see the 108 or be stuck on 54 speed? Also, would my connecting range be any better?
     
    PDubs,
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  2. 2008/01/13
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    If the access point supports mimo, and your adapter also supports it, then yes, you will see increased performance overall. However, if a second client connects to the access point, and this second client does not support mimo, then the access point will automatically drop down to the next lowest level of operation, plain 80211g, and you will lose the mimo advantages on your comp.

    Most mimo enabled access points cannot operate at mimo rates and legacy g rates at the same time. The access point will use one or the other and automatically detect the features of the wifi adapters that connect to it and adjust to use legacy g or mimo, but not both simultaneously.

    Before laying out the cash, find out if your laptop adapter supports mimo. What laptop and adapter do you have?

    The range max access point does have features that will better your existing wlan. You will have a better range of connectivity because the signal emitted from the access point is better quality. And the range max router has a more robust firewall (stateful packet inspection).
     
    Last edited: 2008/01/13
    TonyT,
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  4. 2008/01/13
    PDubs

    PDubs Inactive Thread Starter

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    Good to know, looks like I'll have to wait for MIMO until all my computers want to use it. :)

    Currently, we have a few computers with the standard/stock internal WiFi. One is from Dell (intel i believe) and the other IBM (unk?). But it sounds like there would be some benefit to going RangeMax, although speed is the concern because it's not worth it just for the range increase alone.
     
    PDubs,
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  5. 2008/01/13
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Speed should never be a concern when it comes to wifi. The speed of the wlan will always be faster than any broadband connection, thus www will be quick.

    As for local file transfers, mimo won't make much of a difference and neither will 80211n until it becomes a final approved draft.

    80211g = a max of 54 mbps. But the fastest that files will transfer is about half of that rate. Add switches (as the one in the router) and encryption and the rate reduces even more. Interference and overlap caused by elect wiring and other wifi devices like cordless phones, baby monitors and microwave ovens reduce it even more. And there's a whole lot of radio waves in the air at any given time. (break out the tinfoil hat now)

    Range is always the concern for wifi. Speed is accomplished via wires.
     
    TonyT,
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  6. 2008/01/14
    visionof

    visionof Inactive

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    Its a good question
    I do not know about the rangemax
    Generally most of the speedboost systems ( above regular rates) are propietary and require matching cards to get benefit
    On top of that in a system if you have a number of g cards , and one older b card then the whole system can often be downgraded in speed by the one b card
    Biggest issue in wireless is usually neighbors signals wafting in and causing interference
    Change the channel from the default channel 6 to anything else
    Channels 1 and 11 are first choice ( they are the two other distinct channels - the others overlap)
    However with neighbors they may change and you may have to change the channel from time to time
    Ensure that the router is high and not cluttered
    Speeds drop off rapidly with distance
    If possible have other computers as close as possible ( wireless computers)
    Upgrade drivers if you like
    If all cards are g rather than b set the signal to g only ( rather than mixed)
    A very good networking utility is network magic
    A very good router choice is an older Linksys WRT54G ( now sold as Linksys WRT54GL ( l stands for Linux)
    You can apply one of the 3rd party firmwares ( Sveasoft , ddwrt etc) and boost the power over the limit big time to increase speeds

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G

    lastly sometimes even moving the router over a foot in distance will change things big time
    although reception is line of sight - lots of the signal is the bouncearound
     
    Last edited: 2008/01/14
    visionof,
    #5

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