Wireless G Vs. Wireless N

Even though Wi-Fi is not a technical term, it is often used by the Wi-Fi Alliance - a trade association that promotes Wireless LAN technology and certifies products, to describe a range of connectivity technologies. One of these connectivity technologies is the wireless local area network (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. The term Wi-Fi and IEEE 802.11 are often used interchangeably. Over the last couple of years though, Wi-Fi has become more of a superset of IEEE 802.11. While 802.11a and 802.11b were the popular protocols of yesteryears, 802.11g (wireless g) and 802.11n (wireless n) are popular protocols of today. If you go by the fact that each evolution has something more to cheer about, you are forced to assume that wireless n is better than its predecessor. But does this assumption really hold ground?

Difference Between Wireless G and Wireless N

As we mentioned earlier, 802.11g and 802.11n are two protocols in the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking standards. Basically, IEEE 802.11 is a set of networking standards which facilitate WLAN computer communication at 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. The IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee (IEEE 802) is the committee which creates and maintains these networking standards. The four standards of 801.11 network are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n - with 802.11g and 802.11n being the most popular standards in use today. (When we talk about the popular standards in use today, we talk about IEEE 802.11-2007 - which is a base version of 802.11g, and EEE 802.11n-2009 - which is an amendment to the 802.11-2007). Given below is more information on the differences between these two protocols which will help you get a better understanding of the two.

Range and Data Rate
Even though 802.11g protocol - which was launched in 2003, was quite similar to its predecessor 802.11b in terms of frequency band and range, the increased data rate, low cost and backward compatibility to its predecessors (the 802.11a and 802.11b) gave it an edge over the others. However, the frequency band of 2.4 GHz on which it operates turns out to be a problem for this protocol as other devices which are used at same frequency - such as the microwave or cordless phones, result in signal interference. In 2009, a new protocol - 802.11n was launched to counter these interference issues. As opposed to its predecessors which had 1 MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) stream, 802.11n was equipped with 3 MIMO streams - owing to which it boasted of a better data rate and increased range.

The difference in frequency bands on which the two protocols operate and the number of MIMO streams they sport are the key factors which make the two protocols different from each other. While wireless g is operated at 2.4 GHz frequency band, wireless n is operated at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This also gives wireless n an edge in terms of router signal comparison. While wireless g has a range of 38 m (indoors) and 140 m (outdoors,) wireless n had a range of 70 m (indoors) and 250 m (outdoors.) Most important of all, the use of 5 GHz frequency band helps 802.11n do away with the interference issues - a problem which is quite prominent in its predecessor. At the same time, wireless n protocol increases your data transfer speed by a whopping 10 times - which is by far the biggest advantage of this protocol.

Which is Better Wireless G or Wireless N?
There is no doubt about the fact that wireless n protocol is better than the wireless g protocol when it comes to wireless n vs. g comparison. (In fact, some people believe that the wireless n protocol - armed with 4 MIMO streams, is comparable to wired networks.) Instead, the question that has to be asked here is whether it will suit your requirements. If you intend to use wireless Internet access for surfing only, wireless g or wireless n won't make much difference. But if you intend to carry out huge amount of data transfer or stream media online, wireless n is the protocol to look out for. That being said, you also need to take into consideration the fact that wireless n will only work when all the devices in question are wireless n certified. If you have an old laptop which is wireless g certified, upgrading to wireless n will be of no help as you will only get the speed applicable to wireless g protocol. However, if you intend to opt for a new laptop, it is better to go for one equipped with wireless n - the Wi-Fi of the future.

Wireless n or 802.11n offers a better speed, range and connectivity as compared to wireless g 802.11g, and therefore, it is safe to say that wireless n is the technology of the future. The fact that its price is coming down slowly makes wireless n even more promising. However, it would be ideal to wait for sometime and let wireless n take over (and phase out wireless g) to get a better wireless n experience. All in all, wireless n is the best bet when you are going for a new Wi-Fi setup wherein all devices are wireless n certified, but if you are already equipped with wireless g devices - you can continue with the same for some more time before you finally begin to feel being left out.