802.11b to 802.11g upgrade, is it worthed?

[polkatese]

I am debating of upgrading my wireless access point to 802.11g, but my laptop has built in 802.11b card (so, either I purchase a pc card g or configure the setup and enable the down speed compatibility.) Other than for surfing the web and occassionally sending print job across, I have not really use other features. Is it worth the upgrade? speed and better encryption are the two that I am hoping to achieve. Have anyone done this yet? Thanks...

[PolkWannabie]

g is faster than b which you'll actually be able to take advantage of IF you have do a lot of lan based stuff but it will not speed up internet access which as far as I know is already beyond what's available today from home.

[Dennis Gardner]

What Polkwannabie said,


"b" is already 10 times faster than a good broadband connection. "g" is 50 times faster. If moving mp3 or video files from point to point is your bag then it makes sense.

DG

[TechChallenged]

G is better than B Period. There is no point in switching unless your 2.4 ghz phone is causing you problems or speed has inhibated net surfing. G is downword compatible so your existing setup will work. If cost and skill is not a concern splurge the forty bucks and treat yourself. Otherwise, KISS, If it aint broken don't fix it.

[PolkWannabie]

Originally posted by Dennis Gardner
"b" is already 10 times faster than a good broadband connection. DG

10 times ? As far as I know "b" is 11 mbps, my cable connection is 8 mbps and while b is still faster it's not THAT much faster.

[Dennis Gardner]

Wow you've got fast cable!

Our cable and dsl speeds are lucky to support 1-1.5 mbps where I live.

DG

[PolkThug]

g has better range. One thing I like to do is be on the Internet while I'm outside. Take your laptop outside and see if you still have a strong connection on your b network. (I'm on a d-link 54g with winxp on my workstations)

Regards,
PolkThug

[PolkWannabie]

g does NOT have better range ... I actually had to give up some range when I went to g from b until I implemented a better antenna system with g. Prior to that I had no difficulty with b reaching the router from anywhere within 4000 sq ft of living space from three floors or anywhere outside including way back and down by the pool.

[polkatese]

ah, thanks for the feedback...I have a DSL now, and don't have any issue as far as interference on the 2.4 GHz range. So, I'll wait for a little bit longer before I upgrade.

[PolkThug]

With my D-Link g, with stock antenna, I can walk past three of my neighbors' houses and still send this post. Maybe a little further, but I feel really stupid out here at night with a laptop. :D I'm not sure how many feet that is, but NetworkWorldFusion rates my particular router at 344 feet.

More importantly, PolkWannabie had mentioned upgrading his antenna. This thought had never crossed my mind, maybe with a better antenna, I could take my dog for short walks while surfing the web. ;)

PW, any suggestions for antennas? Or, does anybody here have any experience with antenna upgrades for these things?

Thanks,
PolkThug

[PolkWannabie]

LOL ...

D-Link rates their "b" wireless the same as their "g" unit ...

No matter ... When you can start to be able to get reception well off your property then I hope your using something like WEP. Not that it's totally secure but it's better then nothing.

There are loads of antennas available both commercially and as DIY projects ...

Just look around the net for stuff related to increase range for the 2 ghz band ...

[PolkThug]

Originally posted by PolkWannabie
When you can start to be able to get reception well off your property then I hope your using something like WEP. Not that it's totally secure but it's better then nothing.

Yeah, I'll admit I'm lacking in security. My house is probably listed as an Internet "hot spot". Although, maybe I could use it as a scapegoat for the RIAA, "I don't know how those songs got there, somebody must have hacked my wireless network."

:)

[TechChallenged]

Yeah, I'll admit I'm lacking in security. My house is probably listed as an Internet "hot spot".

Polk Thug. Secure that Network. Not only is it likely that you are sharing your network connection with a Neighbor (Free of charge). You are potentially sharing every keystroke you make as well.