Choosing
a wireless networking system for home or office |
There are three
types of wireless equipment to choose from, each with its own pros
and cons. The table below will help you choose the best version
for your home or office. Generally, you can safely mix and match
devices from any of the 3 versions – they will all work together
although at the speed of the slowest device. |
| Relative Speed |
| <<<<<<<<<<
Slower |
Faster
>>>>>>>>>> |
|
| Type |
Standard "G" |
Super "G" |
MIMO (Pre-N) |
| Data Speed * |
up to 54Mbps |
108 - 125Mbps |
108 - 240Mbps |
| Range * |
10m |
10m - 30m |
10 - 50m |
| Cost Fitted ** |
£115.00 - £175.00 |
£145.00 - £200.00 |
£165.00 - £250.00 |
| Broadband Types |
ADSL or Cable |
ADSL or Cable |
ADSL or Cable |
* Speed and range are inversely proportional i.e. as the range increases
the speed reduces until at maximum range the connection drops. The range
varies depending on the medium that the wireless signal is traveling through
i.e. greater range (or faster speed) will be achieved in open air compared
to inside an old house with thick stone walls. Other equipment transmitting
on the same or similar frequency such as DECT phones, baby monitors, microwave
ovens and other wireless PC equipment, can vary or completely block the
signal.
** The cost varies with the number and type of PC to
be networked and the manufacturer of the equipment supplied. Always choose
the best system you can afford as many wireless routers, aimed mainly
at the DIY market, give very inconsistent results. We can supply all the
performance leading brands including, Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, Belkin
and high end DrayTek routers for VPN use.
If purchasing a wireless router for DIY installation,
always purchase one with wireless encryption and take the time to configure
the encryption, unless you want your neighbours reading your letters and
viewing your holiday snaps.
|