802.11b to 802.11g upgrade, is it worthed?

polkatese
polkatese Posts: 6,767
edited February 2024 in Clubhouse Archives
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...
I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    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.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited February 2004
    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
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • TechChallenged
    TechChallenged Posts: 106
    edited February 2004
    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.
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    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.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited February 2004
    Wow you've got fast cable!

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

    DG
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited February 2004
    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
    Never Forget
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    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.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2004
    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.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited February 2004
    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
    Never Forget
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    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 ...
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited March 2004
    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."

    :)
    Never Forget
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  • TechChallenged
    TechChallenged Posts: 106
    edited March 2004
    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.
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