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    Gregisteredtrademark's Avatar
    Gregisteredtrademark Posts: 226, Reputation: 35
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    #1

    Aug 31, 2007, 01:38 PM
    Wireless types
    Ok, so I am a wireless idiot. I just got a new Dell laptop and it has a built in wireless card. I have a DSL connection and I am thinking of going wireless. I have looked at routers but can't tell the difference between them. I have seen "G" and "N". Any suggestions on where to start? God I feel dumb. I should be smarter than this.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #2

    Aug 31, 2007, 01:44 PM
    802.11 is the protocol for wireless networking. There are several specification; a, b, g, and n with some variations within them. All you really need to know is that N is backward compatible with G and G is backward compatible with b. Your new laptop has either a g or n adapter. If it has a n adapter then get an n router and you can take advantage of the greater range and speed of n routers. If its got a g, then you don't gain much using a n router.

    As you go from b to g to n you get increased range and speed.
    Gregisteredtrademark's Avatar
    Gregisteredtrademark Posts: 226, Reputation: 35
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    #3

    Aug 31, 2007, 01:46 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Gregisteredtrademark
    Ok, so I am a wireless idiot. I just got a new Dell laptop and it has a built in wireless card. I have a DSL connection and I am thinking of going wireless. I have looked at routers but can't tell the difference between them. I have seen "G" and "N". Any suggestions on where to start? God I feel dumb. I should be smarter than this.
    Ok so how do I tell if I have a G on an N wireless card?
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #4

    Aug 31, 2007, 01:46 PM
    For the moment stick with G as N hasn't been passed yet so is still "experimental".
    As to setting up, it's pretty straight forward.

    Now Wireless can be a pain, but once cracked you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.


    Here's a couple of How-To's for networking
    Wired networking Guide
    Wireless Networking Guide
    Should give you some more ideas.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #5

    Aug 31, 2007, 02:12 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Gregisteredtrademark
    Ok so how do I tell if I have a G on an N wireless card?
    Read the specs on the PC you purchased. It should indicate whether its g or n.
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