How much difference is there between Wireless B, G, & N?

Question

Thanks.

General differences and compatibility with Vista?

Answer 1

They are all variations of the IEEE 802.11 standard. The letters indicate the version of the standard.

Depending on how much you know about how radios work, this might be to high level. The problem with the base band is that it can interfere with other wireless things in your home, primarily wireless telephones(not cell phones).

B operates on 2.5Ghz base frequency, Maximum data throughput is 11Mbps.

G is basically the same as B except the maximum data throughput is 54Mbps (also the most common version deployed)

N is the latest standard it operates at either 2.5Ghz or 5Ghz base frequency and claims a throughput of 74Mbps. It also claims to have a range roughly double B or G.

Regarding Vista compatibility, the only issue will be that the vendor of the wireless nic card you use would have to a driver that is guaranteed to operate with Vista. Architecturally, Vista is radically different than previous versions of Windows - therefore you need drivers written to specifically work with Vista. Outside of that, Vista doesn't care.

Answer 2

The differences are subtle and hard to explain. As the standards progressed there were differnt methods of handling the data flow. G gave more spectrum segments with tighter protocols than B. N is again a different protocol structure and works on the reflected signal reception principal. The routers and adapters are set up to be backward compatible with all previous types (except A which is a differnt frequency). For optimum operation you need both ends at the same rating. Each upgrade has been an improvement in protocols, but since all operate in the unlicensed frequency spectrum, they have to share the band width with more and more wireless devices. Another example is the cordless phones using the different spectrums. From 900 to 2.4 to 5.8. Some have advantages, but there are drawbacks to all. Most Wireless enabled Vista computers have multi-band transceivers built in. I have seen all combinations of A,G and N listed on makers sites. I will stick to G for quite a while because of the N changes still being implemented and the much higher cost. I have not seen any real benefit to spending the extra money for pre-N. In fact, I have been disappointed with their operations. Haven't looked at any for past 60 days. Supposed to have recently changed to a more uniform method.

Answer 3

These are just different types of wireless protocols. Most devices today use the Wireless G standard, and N is the most recent standard. They are all backward compatible (eg. a wireless N router can accept both G and B connections as well)