Wireless G essential for thinkpad?

[Drewski]

I have a wireless card for my thinkpad, it runs at 11mbps. The internet seems to run very good... so whats the point of upgrading to 54mbps? I would like to get a wireless G card. but im not sure I will see much of a change because I dont think DSL can go 54mbps. Should I get a wireless G card?

[DavidNZ]

If you plan to network your thinkpad with another computer in a wireless network, then the added speed boost might be welcome.

I run a DSL connection on wireless 802.11b for internet only. It's fine. As you say, 11b is far faster than DSL.

[bill bolton]

As you say, 11b is far faster than DSL.

ADSL2+ speeds go up to 24Mbps. Even plain old ADSL can run at up to 8Mbps.

Anyway, the point with 802.11x wireless is that the specified speed is a raw speed (no protocol overheads) under optimal conditions, not data throughput rate. Actual data throughput in real world conditions for 802.11b is way less than 11Mbps, and is typically about ~5Mbps at best.

Depending on what speed your Internet connection actually runs at, its not that hard for the 802.11b link to be the limiting factor in throughput.

Cheers,

Bill

[DavidNZ]

Ah - forgot about ADSL2+! That's interesting, Bill, about actual throughputs for DSL. Didn't know that. Maybe I should upgrade my router after all.

[Drewski]

I might get one, I am connected to another computer and it would be nicer to be able to transfer/access files.

[DIGITALgimpus]

Correct it's rare for 802.11b to sustain beyond 5. Typically it's about 3-3.5Mbps.

Considering most broadband connections are 4-6Mbps or better.... your not getting optimal speed.

Though there's a caveat:

Browsing the web is *not* any faster. Really about 1.5-2Mbps makes no difference in webpage rendering. It's psychological in 99.9% of cases. Though downloading and other tasks increase in speed. As well as simultanious browsing (multiple tabs or multiple computers).

Depends on your use. If you just read email, and browse a few pages, no real need upgrade.