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Wireless speed versus ethernet and G class router versus N

My customer has a G class router, 54mbs download. He parks his laptop right next to it and uses the wireless. In terms of speed alone (not the security of wired versus wireless) I think it would be better if he used an ethernet connection. But when I do a speedtest I get the same output either way. This also gets into the question of whether an N router is any better than a G. Time Warner Cable gives the customer 15mbs download and 1.2 upload. If a G runs at 54mbs download, why would that be better than an N router, which costs more? How can it go faster than what Time Warner sends to the modem? It's the same issue with the ethernet router speed. It may say we're getting 100MBs download, but how can the router stream any faster than the line going into it? And why would gigabyte ethernet be any faster than 100mbs? I don't know if it's relevant, but the customer has a Dell Latitiude E6420 running Win7 Pro 64bit.
Thanks,
Al

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Darr247

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Dave Baldwin

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Alan Silverman

ASKER

That's what I first thought, long ago when they started getting G routers. I don't know about you, but out here in a semi-rural area, and even in nearby small cities the most any residential user gets is 25-30mbs. We won't get fios for years. So any distinction between say 150 and 300 mbs routers is meaningless. And, other than how far a signal goes, the distinction between G and N is meaningless too. In terms of getting a wireless signal at startup, and all the programs that depend on it, I would think an ethernet connection might be better. And if there were any interference, something else going on electrically, that might mean something. Maybe I've just been looking at too many forums and too many reviews and advertisements. That leaves me wondering what makes a good router. I suppose the newer routers have better security. But all this about speed seems to be pure bunk.
Al

Dave Baldwin

I have had a wireless router for years... but all my computers (8 in this room...) are connected wired. Of course, all but one are desktops and I have up to 16 other wireless networks in my apartment complex. The needs of the marketing department determine what gets advertised as the speed of the device. I don't know any that are actually lying but they leave out the part where you only get that speed from your computer to the router.

Same with ISPs though. I get 25Mbps service thru Comcast... As long as I connect to a web site that can send data faster than that. If the site is on a slow link on it's end or there is too much traffic in between, it won't be that fast.

Darr247

If you have only 1 computer, usually you shouldn't even need a router... just connect it straight to the cable modem.

Alan Silverman

ASKER

Security is a big issue, even with one user. With a router you get that hardware firewall. And all my clients have multiple devices these days, computers, tablets, smart phones and friends who bring their devices to their houses. I'm also using powerline routers more. But the distinction between a 200 and 500 mbs line is meaningless. No reason to pay for the latest and greatest if the latest and greatest doesn't get you anything more.

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