How To Pick A Wireless Standard

wireless networking is at a rise. Already older standards (802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g) are being replaced by newer ones such as draft-N and routers that catch speeds four times as fast as 802.11g.

• You need to figure out if you really need a super fast draft N connection or just really fast internet. There is a difference, older wireless standards offer up to 54 mbs whereas the newer ones like 802.11g offer 240 mbs and draft N promises 270mbs. Compatibility should be considered carefully, as the draft N and 802.11g routers will slow down to match the speeds of slower devices (802.11a protocol is not compatible with the newer routers though).

• The range of the older routers is limited to 150-200 feet, upto 300 feet outdoors, but the draft N has a much wider range.

• You need to be thoroughly informed about your choice. Find out if your old devices can be upgraded to handle the draft N. (Intel core2 duos can be upgraded quite easily).

• Make sure that your router has at least WEP (wireless equivalent privacy), to protect your connection from prying eyes. You can also add extra firewalls and anti virus programs.