Upgrading to wireless n worth it?

Grimspoon

Grimspoon

Executive Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2006
Messages
8,855
Reaction score
37
Location
Skyrim
I am thinking of upgrading my current Telkom router to a new wireless n router of sorts.

I use wifi in my house a lot, I have my PS3 and Xbox linked up to the wireless.

I wanted to know if it would be worth while upgrading to wireless n as apposed to the current g.

Does it give you a faster connection or does it just boost the signal?

Also what ADSL wireless router would be a good bet?

Looking at either a Netgear or Sitecom.
 
Grimspoon said:
I am thinking of upgrading my current Telkom router to a new wireless n router of sorts.

I use wifi in my house a lot, I have my PS3 and Xbox linked up to the wireless.

I wanted to know if it would be worth while upgrading to wireless n as apposed to the current g.

Does it give you a faster connection or does it just boost the signal?

Also what ADSL wireless router would be a good bet?

Looking at either a Netgear or Sitecom.
Click to expand...

First check if your ps3 and xbox support wireless N. If they do it'll be worth it.
 
If one of your devices has poor reception, a replacement antenna often works well. It's cheaper than upgrading your router.
 
AFAIK PS3, Xbox & Wii do not have wireless N, so there would be no point in upgrading to Wireless N.
You might be able to get Wireless N adapters for them.

I would only upgrade to Wireless N if you're going to be copying a lot of files in between the devices or streaming BluRay content. Wireless A/G should suffice if you're doing those from LAN to WiFi device.
 
Last edited:
N is not all it's cracked up to be in the real world, at least yet. Compatibility between devices leaves a lot to be desired particularly with some of the older Draft N stuff floating around. I like to have a separate wireless AP from router in that way when your router gets fried on the line your wireless side is not affected. Additionally, depending on your office/home layout, having the wireless at the router point is not the most efficient from wireless signal point of view. YMMV of course on this.
 
The xbox wifi adapter was initially b/g but they replaced it with a b/g/n one for the same price etc.
It's faster but mainly it just has better signal and more stable.
 
Those "Ethernet over the Electrical Wiring Network Plugs" work MUCH better than wireless (personal experience) - can get them for about R1000 via Telkom (Tygervalley and Town) or Computer Mania (1199).

When my PS3 was connecting via wireless i had constant dropouts - since I switched to those Ethernet Plugs, works like charm.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

I have the new Xbox slim which has wireless N, but ya it doesn't sound like the benefit would be that great.
 
I get a real 2.9MB/sec not even 25kbps :/

I could probably get the higher, as

a) I'm going through to a 2nd story (large block of concrete in between)
b) I'm directly above the router and majority of the signal is towards the side

From what I hear and have read, you'd only be be looking around 8MB/sec anyway *shrug*
 
Er, just a add-on to this people.

Currently also have a ****ty Telkom pile of RUBBISH router... but hey it works, and is going through 4 walls to reach me. Upgrading it to a n router would greatly increase the signal or just mildly increase it? I would really like to get rid of my 'tower' that my wireless aerial is standing on (Right by the door because it doesn't work when I move it just behind the wall) so i would need a minor boost to get it to behind the other wall and into a prime position in the house.
 
Adrenalin said:
Er, just a add-on to this people.

Currently also have a ****ty Telkom pile of RUBBISH router... but hey it works, and is going through 4 walls to reach me. Upgrading it to a n router would greatly increase the signal or just mildly increase it? I would really like to get rid of my 'tower' that my wireless aerial is standing on (Right by the door because it doesn't work when I move it just behind the wall) so i would need a minor boost to get it to behind the other wall and into a prime position in the house.
Click to expand...

Short answer... yes it will increase the range, by quite a bit even if your laptop is running G. Also had problems with getting signal to the back of the house with a G router. Swapped out to my old N router (2007 model running draft spec) and easily get to the back of the house with room to spare. I've seen quite a difference in range.
 
Just an update, I bought a Netgear DGN2200 yesterday it is the new model that replaces the DGN2000 and I am pleasantly impressed so far.

My internet connection is definitely quicker and web pages have stopped timing out every 5 minutes. The wireless signal is also significantly stronger especially when I am at the other end of the house.

All in all very happy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X