Wireless G Vs. Wireless N Adapter

It can be extremely confusing determining what type of wireless router and wireless adapter is right for you. With technology advancing seemingly by the seconds, you might be wondering if you really even need a wireless n adapter, or if your old unit will work just fine. Before deciding, you must first understand the basics of wireless routing.

All wireless routers operate with the same standards called IEE 802.11. The term “Wi-Fi” is a simple name that was created to mean the same thing as IEE 802.11 but easier to say. When “Wi-Fi” first started gaining popularity, the speed at which the information was limited to was called Wireless-A. However over the years, as technology and Internet speeds have advanced, we have progress passed Wireless-B, and Wireless-G, into Wireless-N speeds.

The fact is, for most people who just want to browse the Internet and check email, Wireless-G routers and adapters will be plenty fast. However, if you like to stream HD video, download in high volume, or cover a larger area of your home with wireless Internet, a wireless n adapter and router is right for you.

Wireless N Adapter Features

There were two major upgrades that warranted the release of wireless n adaptors and routers. First, is an increase in speed. While the specifics aren’t all that meaningful to the average user, you should know a wireless n adapter is 15 times faster than a wireless g adapter if paired with the right router. As stated earlier, however, most people will never use those speeds unless they download or stream extremely large files like HD TV or movies.

The second upgrade to wireless n adapters is there range. This feature may make upgrading worth the extra cost if you live in a large home, or a home with dense building materials like brick or concrete. Wireless-N manufacturers claim that it increases the coverage in your home up to three times that of a Wireless-G Router.

Dual Band Wireless N Routers

If you want the best of the best, dual band wireless n routers are the best choice. A dual band router simply has two antennas, one transmitting signal at 2.4GHz and one transmitting signal at a much faster 5GHz. Over time, all routers will transition to the 5GHz frequency and purchasing a dual band router now just extends it’s usefulness into the future.

Wireless N Adapter Myths

Most people are confused as to how many adapters and routers they need in their home to take advantage of the wireless n adapter upgrade. Here are the facts:

• You need at least a new router and wireless n adaptor or compatible device to take advantage of both the higher speeds and larger range.
• Your Wireless-G devices will still work perfectly with your new Wireless-N router just not at the new higher speeds and coverage.
• In other words, wireless adapters are backwards compatible- Wireless-G devices will work with a Wireless-N router, but Wireless N Adapter will not be any faster without a Wireless-N router.