i have a laptop w/ wireless 802.11b but a router that can do both b & g....?

Question

i would like to use the "g" setup but does it mean I have to upgrade my computer wireless card to 802.11g? or is it possible for me to go inside internet settings within my laptop and switch over to "g"? sorry i'm a noob at this

Answer 1

Most 802.11g routers are switchable. You can have the router support B only, G only, or both B and G (this setting will be somewhere in your router's configuration interface). Your B wireless card will work with your router as long as you have the router on a setting where B is supported (you won't get the faster G speed with the slower card, though). You don't have to upgrade your wireless card if B speed is OK (which it should be).

In general, you might as well leave your router set to handle both B and G connections. That way anyone can connect at the fastest speed their hardware supports.

You can't switch your wireless card to G: it requires different hardware.

Answer 2

It depends on the wireless card on the laptop. Either it supports G or it doesn't. By default, the wireless card will be set to pick up the fastest band available (in this case G). So when you connect and you only see 11mbps, then there's a good chance it doesn't support G.

Get the model number of the card and look it up at the manufacturer's site - at least that's what I'd do.

Answer 3

Scence your laptop is 802.11b, your router will deliver 802.11b. If up were to upgrade your laptops wireless card to 802.11g, then you will get the faster speed.

Unless the wireless card inside your computer is 802.11 b/g you will not be able to get the g speed.

Hope thid was helpful

Answer 4

If it is an older card, chances are that you are stuck with B. I would suggest taking a closer look at the documentation for the card online if you can find it and see if that is possible. If not, you will simply have to purchase a newer card.