Will the wireless N router make a difference for speed/distance?

Question

I am going to buy a wireless N series router. I am doing this soley because I would like a little more speed and distance for my computers. Right now when I try to use it outside I get low/very low reading and it slows to 34 mbps or less. When I am inside, it is excellent and 54 mbps most of the time. Do I understand correctly that the N series will help me to get better distance and speed?

Answer 1

I have been using a wrt350N and the linksys N card in my laptop for several months now and, all in all, I like it.
However, there are a few caveats.  The range is no where near the 4X promised on the box.  That is not going to happen.  It is actually about the same as the G routers.  The difference is that, when connected, it will connect at a higher speed.   If you buy this with visions of standing across the street and getting a signal, forget it.
It will never connect at 270 mbps.  Never. 
It does not like old G equipment.  The only way that I can connect with a G equipped laptop and get a good signal is by doing it in the same room.  My really old B adapter won't work at all, no matter what the router settings are.
I have my router toward the front of my house and on the second floor (my office).  We are remodeling the basement and adding an office (wife).  So, I ran a cat5E cable from my office to hers and bought a N access point.    It has certainly helped remove the dead spots that would not be there if I actually got 4X range.