Thread: Wireless N adapter to wireless G router?

Can a wireless N usb adapter connect to a wireless G router?

I already have a wireless g linksys router (wrt54g2) and i have a wireless g usb adapter (belkin).

But if i can get increased internet connection performance while playing online games with a wireless N adapter, could i get a wireless N adapter?

First, would it be compatible with a wireless g router?

and second, if so, would i most likely see better performance with internet connection while playing multiplayer games? or would it not be worth it if i don’t also have a wireless N router as well?

Thanks.

N adapter should work with G router but you probably won't gain any speed.

Both ends need to be N, I think -- and preferably from the same brand.

You won't gain any internet gaming improvement by obtaining a wireless N adapter. A Wireless N adapter WILL work with a wireless G router though, but will work at G speeds.

Wireless G Standard Speed = 54Mb/s (IEEE 802.11 Specifications)
Wireless N Standard Speed = 144Mb/s (IEEE 802.11 Specifications)

So the Wireless N Adapter is capable of the above speed, but when it connects to the Wireless G Router, it will be throttled to the maximum G standard speed (54MB/s).

The same holds true to your internet connection. So say for example you have the following...

Wireless N Adapter (capable speed = 144Mb/s)
Wireless G Router (capable speed = 54Mb/s)
Internet Provider (capable speed = 10Mb/s)

Your online gaming environment will be at best 10Mb/s as your Internet Provider throttles your speed to that limit even though you have hardware capable of providing higher speeds.

Your connection to the router will be 54Mb/s but beyond your router (Internet) you are at the mercy of your Internet Providers designated speed of 10MB/s.

This example holds true to any networked environment

Hope this helps.