Difference Between Wireless G and Wireless N Routers

Wireless G vs Wireless N Routers

Wireless N is the next generation of technology used for WiFi. It is expected to succeed Wireless G, although it has been on the table for more than a few years, and finalization is yet to come. Many of the Wireless N routers available today are based on the draft and may or may not comply with the final Wireless N specification. The main difference between Wireless N and the older Wireless G is speed. Wireless N routers, when accessed by a Wireless N compliant client, can reach speeds of up to 300Mbps or more compared to the 54Mbps ceiling of Wireless G.

Wireless N routers achieve the significant speed increase by employing MIMO, or Multiple Input and Multiple Output. This technology uses multiple receivers and transmitters and, consequently, multiple antennas to enhance the spectral efficiency of the router and increase the data transfer speed without increasing the required bandwidth. Wireless N also has a greater range than Wireless G routers so you would not need to use multiple routers to cover a greater area. One of the techniques used to increase the range of Wireless N routers is beamforming. With it, each antenna transmits signals that are slightly different. The signal waves add up at a certain direction therefore providing greater signal strength towards the user.

Aside from the advantages stated above, Wireless N routers are able to operate on two distinct frequency bands; the 2.4Ghz band and the 5Ghz band. Wireless G routers occupy the already congested 2.4Ghz band and are quite susceptible to interference from other devices that use the same band. Wireless N routers give the user flexibility so that he can either go to the 5Ghz band for better operation or remain at 2.4Ghz for compatibility.

Having learned all the advantages of Wireless N routers, it is important to know that the router is just one part of the equation. You also need to have a Wireless N compliant adapter in your computer. Using a Wireless G adapter negates all the advantages that you stand to gain. Certain features, like operating on the 5Ghz band, also require that every connecting device be Wireless N compliant.

Summary:

1.Wireless N routers are faster than Wireless G routers.
2.Wireless N routers employ MIMO while Wireless G routers don’t.
3.Wireless N routers have a longer range than Wireless G routers.
4.Wireless N routers can operate in either the 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz band while Wireless G routers only operate on the 2.4Ghz band.

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