What is wireless N?
Wireless n routers are routers or access points which conform to one of the 802.11n standards for wireless local area networks. What this means is that routers conforming to this standard operate over a wider area than the previous wireless standards (802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g), and because of the way this new standard works the wireless routers are also faster. So you get a faster and stronger wireless signal for your wireless network.
Great!
Well, not so quick. The wireless n or 802.11n standard hasn't actually been finalised yet. But
manufacturers are selling routers and modems based on them already I hear you cry. You're right and if you look closely you'll
see that on the box for that wireless n router or modem router it will actually say "draft n" or "draft 2". These were
two drafts of the standard that manufacturers seized upon and used to get wireless routers and modems with the above
advantages onto the market early.
But which one of these do you buy? draft 1, draft 2 or do you hold off and wait for the 802.11n standard to be finalised?
The good news is that if you buy all your kit from one manufacturer then all draft 1 equipment will work just fine and will be quicker and
provide a stronger wireless signal over the older 802.11g standard. Draft 2
routers and modems are safer still as draft 2 is agreed to be compatible with the final standard. So draft 2 kit should allow
you to mix and match manufacturers kits. You could wait for the standard itself to bec finalised but in the fast-moving world of router hardware
there is no guarantee it won't have been superseded by the time it is eventually agreed.
To give you an idea of the differences between the standards:
| Standard | Max Speed | Distance (outdoors) |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11a | 54 Mbit/s | 120meters or 131yards |
| 802.11b | 11 Mbit/s | 140meters or 153yards |
| 802.11g | 54 Mbit/s | 140m or 153yards |
| 802.11n * | 248 Mbit/s | 250m or 273yards |
Distance is affected by the number and density of objects in the way.
Other differences you'll notice will be that wireless n routers tend to have multiple aerials (normally 3 or more) unlike the 802.11g
routers which normally had only one or two. The benefits of having a faster wireless link that can send High-definition tv
or faster internet access around your home are clear, and the increase in signal strength means that the quality of connection
will be better with fewer interruptions and greater distance available to you. With wireless n you really can work
on the laptop in the garden.
In my opinion the time is right to get a wireless n router or modem router. For our ratings of the various options available
to you why not check out our reviews of wireless n routers.
