waiting for N
June 1, 2006 11:45 AM Subscribe
How well do the current generation of MIMO / "pre-N" wireless routers work for extending range?
I'm looking at the Linksys WRT54GX4, the Belkin Pre-N and the Netgear RangeMax Next.
My understanding of MIMO is that you only get the faster speeds with a compatible adapter at the other end. Documentation is rather coy about the benefit with a standard 802.11b/g device. Can I expect the signal range to be improved with these routers connecting to an 802.11b/g wireless adapter? (I don't care about speed, I just want to reach further.)
I'm looking at the Linksys WRT54GX4, the Belkin Pre-N and the Netgear RangeMax Next.
My understanding of MIMO is that you only get the faster speeds with a compatible adapter at the other end. Documentation is rather coy about the benefit with a standard 802.11b/g device. Can I expect the signal range to be improved with these routers connecting to an 802.11b/g wireless adapter? (I don't care about speed, I just want to reach further.)
802.11n is not yet ratified by IEEE, and when it is, any pre-N equipment you buy is very unlikely to work with 802.11n systems.
That said, I've used a Belkin Pre-N router and it does indeed give a noticeable range boost even without using the Pre-N cards.
Here is an interesting comment from a voting member of IEEE 802.11 which might help you with your decision: http://tongodeon.livejournal.com/411775.html
posted by cactus at 3:33 AM on June 2, 2006
That said, I've used a Belkin Pre-N router and it does indeed give a noticeable range boost even without using the Pre-N cards.
Here is an interesting comment from a voting member of IEEE 802.11 which might help you with your decision: http://tongodeon.livejournal.com/411775.html
posted by cactus at 3:33 AM on June 2, 2006
Wow. Great to know that someone sitting on the IEEE 802.11 committee has such an advanced (and professional) vocabulary. :)
The essence of what he is saying is true, though. Nonetheless, if you want better capabilities than current 802.11g offerings NOW, and are willing to accept the fact that your router/card are unlikely to work under the final 802.11n adopted standard (whenever that may come), the Pre-N is a good choice. It will continue to work (with g, b, and pre-N), it just won't be compliant with the newer stuff.
Bottom line: It will likely give you a significant boost in range, with either g or pre-N cards (which will also give you the speed +range). It just isn't truly "n." And, I actually think that Belkin has been rather upfront about that.
posted by flyingrock at 7:22 AM on June 2, 2006
The essence of what he is saying is true, though. Nonetheless, if you want better capabilities than current 802.11g offerings NOW, and are willing to accept the fact that your router/card are unlikely to work under the final 802.11n adopted standard (whenever that may come), the Pre-N is a good choice. It will continue to work (with g, b, and pre-N), it just won't be compliant with the newer stuff.
Bottom line: It will likely give you a significant boost in range, with either g or pre-N cards (which will also give you the speed +range). It just isn't truly "n." And, I actually think that Belkin has been rather upfront about that.
posted by flyingrock at 7:22 AM on June 2, 2006
Response by poster: Thanks very much for the replies. From reviews I've read, the Belkin does seem to have the best reputation.
posted by Armitage Shanks at 8:27 AM on June 2, 2006
posted by Armitage Shanks at 8:27 AM on June 2, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
I have not purchased the pre-N cards, though. Friends of mine with both pre-N router and cards have reported usable range of up to 600 ft. Hope this helps.
posted by flyingrock at 12:35 PM on June 1, 2006