MapleE. said:
Hi:
The Modem and Router Combo. I've been using for years is 'G' form that is
'non-fast' one, .... 54 Mbps.
Now I want more speed, then I'm thinking of 'N' form, ... 150 Mbps Wireless
Router while I plan to stay on the Modem, 'G/54.'
My question is;
Modem and Router got to be same speed, 'G' or 'N?'
In the case I'd install Router 'N'/150 Mbps, what would it happen to the
Modem that is 'G?'
Tanks for your help in advance.
If it was my equipment, I'd connect the modem and router with wire,
as they could be co-located. In some cases, you can buy a combination
modem and router, so they're inside the same box anyway. That is
the easiest way to solve your problem, is integrate the two of them
together.
/\ 150mbit/sec
~10mbit/sec /\
modem -------------- router_802.11n computer_#1
ethernet
cable computer_#2
In the figure, either computer can talk to the modem, at
10 mbit/sec, which is limited by the connection to your ISP. So
that path isn't particularly demanding of performance.
If computer #1 wants to talk to computer #2, that can flow through
the router. So the 802.11n may help you with file sharing for example,
between computer #1 and #2.
I don't know all the details of 802.11n, but I understand that
"N" has some fallback procedures, if "G" equipment is detected.
For example, "N" can use 40MHz channels, instead of the older 20MHz
wide channels. If older "G" equipment is present, that may prevent
the "N" equipment from using the wider channel setting. So if
I was going to waste money on an upgrade, I'd want to make
damn sure there was no legacy equipment in the vicinity, preventing
me from getting full performance.
I think "N" can use 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and it is possible there are
fewer restrictions on 5GHz. That isn't clear in this powerpoint
slide set. This slide set addresses "N" in the 2.4GHz band.
https://mentor.ieee.org/802.11/dcn/09/11-09-0576-03-000n-sp2-40mhz-coexistence-cids-presentation.ppt
http://www.wireless-nets.com/resources/tutorials/migrate_80211n.html
"The most effective configuration for mixed mode is to install
two radios in each access point. Place the 802.11b/g traffic on 2.4GHz
radios and the 802.11n-only traffic on the other (ideally 5GHz) radios.
Keep in mind that not all countries allow 802.11n 5GHz operation."
So if you're going to do it, read up on it first. Don't expect
the instructions "on the back of the box", to be completely
honest about how to install it.
So if possible, I'd "wire" the modem to the router, and
disable the radio on the modem. That way, the new wireless
router could be a fancy "N" version. Then, you'd upgrade
the interface cards on all the computers to "N" as well.
Even if a wireless device has no controls over its radio,
connecting a "terminator" in place of an antenna, will
absorb all the radio energy. As long as the terminator
plug has sufficient power handling, it can be used to
make a radio "quiet". So if the modem had radio and wired
interface, and no controls over which was used, there are
ways to influence which interface it uses.
I picked up a few hints on this stuff, here.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless
They have charts, if you can figure out what they're measuring.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_wireless/Itemid,200
A review of a router with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz radios. Also
has very capable wired ports, such as the WAN one you could
run over to your modem.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30925/96/
Paul