Wireless router basics

A wireless router is the heart of a wireless network, working much like the base station of a cordless phone with multiple handsets. Finalized in 2009, the latest wireless router technology standard is 802.11n, also called wireless-N. Nothing has changed about the technology; if you own a Draft 802.11n router, it's the same as the final standard. As older technologies like wireless-G fade away, you may consider upgrading.

Here's what experts say about wireless-N vs. wireless-G:

  • So-called N150 or "N Lite" routers are not 802.11n-certified. Experts say these budget routers with confusing names make you think you're getting 802.11n technology when you're not. These units support only 150 Mbps maximum data link -- half that of a real wireless-N router.
  • Wireless-N is faster than wireless-G -- up to five times faster, according to PCMag.com. Some wireless-N routers "can deliver upward of 200 Mbps, and can theoretically reach 300 Mbps," PCMag.com's Mario Morejon reports. The Cisco Linksys E4200 (*Est. $150) now claims speeds of up to 450 Mbps.

However, you can't exceed the speed provided by your ISP and modem. Unless the wireless router has a built-in modem, it must be connected to one via an Ethernet cable, and the quality of that connection affects your maximum speed. An older Ethernet standard -- Fast Ethernet or 10/100 Ethernet -- is still quite common, and allows data transfers of up to 100 Mbps. A newer standard on most premium wireless routers, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) has a top speed of 1 gigabit per second.

  • Wireless-N routers have a longer range than wireless-G units -- theoretically, twice the range. In practice, this means you're more likely with a wireless-N router to connect at a high data rate even when you're far away from it, concludes a test at Wi-FiPlanet.com. With a wireless-G router, you may fall to a lower data rate the farther away you are from the router.

One of 802.11n's key features is multiple input, multiple output (MIMO). In general, MIMO routers use multiple antennas and different transmission technologies to improve speed and range, and they have an easier time pushing the signal through obstacles like walls and doors. Computerworld's David Haskin says, "The increased range of 802.11n will mean fewer 'dead spots' in homes served by a single Wi-Fi router."

  • Wireless-N routers cost more. While you can find major-brand wireless-N routers for $50 or less, owners complain that these basic models constantly drop their Internet connections. A top-rated wireless-N router such as the Netgear WNDR3700 (*Est. $100) costs about twice as much as a highly rated wireless-G router like the Cisco Linksys WRT54GL (*Est. $60).
  • Wireless-N routers are backward-compatible with wireless-G and earlier devices, but mixing the two can slow down the whole network. Many wireless-G units can be easily upgraded to wireless-N; for example, certain Mac computers can be upgraded from 802.11g to 802.11n with a $2 software update from Apple.
  • A wireless-N router cannot make your older equipment run faster. In fact, Tim Higgins of SmallNetBuilder.com cautions that a wireless-N unit "could end up causing problems with very old gear."

Experts recommend considering these features when selecting a wireless router:

  • Determine your needs for speed and range. If you play games online, trade files heavily or your network consists of distantly separated rooms, wireless-N will work better than wireless-G. Wireless-N may help reduce interference, as well.
  • Base your purchase on the networking equipment you plan to continue to use. If you already have networking equipment that's in good working order, make sure the router you buy is compatible.
  • Realize that manufacturer claims of range are inflated. Experts say you can expect about half of what's promised. Going through walls -- especially brick or concrete -- or going up or down floors will also greatly diminish the effective range. Many manufacturers make accessories to extend the range of their routers, including repeaters, bridges and extra antennas, but these add a lot to the cost of the network.
  • Understand that you need network adapters for each computer you add to the network. Your desktop or laptop may already have installed wireless networking components, but you might have to purchase an internal or external network card; consult your computer manual. Reviewers suggest buying a wireless router and adapters made by the same company if you can. This facilitates both setup and technical support, and is sometimes necessary for compatibility.
  • Expect that cell phones, microwave ovens, cordless phones and other household electronics may cause annoying interference with a wireless network. If you have a cordless phone that uses the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, you can avoid interference by upgrading to a 5.8 GHz or 1.9 GHz DECT phone. Wireless-N routers can operate on either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands; newer dual-band, dual-radio routers can work on both at once.

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