Wireless N vs. Wireless G Networks

Written by: Brad Dudley - Mar 10, 2010

Wireless g, or 802.11g, the standard it is named for, can be used with wireless networks up to 54 MBPS. Whereas wireless n, the 802.11n standard, can be used with networks beyond 100MBPS. In other words, wireless n can accommodate much higher speeds. Part of this is due to the fact that wireless n uses multiple wireless signals and antennas to increase bandwidth, known as MIMO technology. This also increases the signal strength. Therefore, wireless n networks can be used in a home or office where your equipment may be much farther apart. Wireless n networks do not experience the same interference that you may get with a wireless g network from house hold appliances run on the same frequency, like cordless phones and microwave ovens, for example. But, 802.11n networks do cost a bit more than 802.11g. They can also interfere with each other, so they may not work well in a home or business with more than one wireless network. That is how the two technologies compare. In some cases it may not matter which you use, making cost the most significant factor. Other times it may be worth the extra cost associated with a wireless n network.