I have Cox highspeed cable, and looking to setup up a wirelees connection for my laptop.
I was wondering If I should buy a router with the G protocol or B. I know cox does not put out 54mbs, in fact it does not put out 11mbs. so Should I get a 802.11G wireless setup? B would seem sufficient, and give all the bandwidth that cox puts out for me. Just wondering if yall know something I do not know about the G protocol. Any help would be appreciated.

Thnaks

Id go with 802.11g. It has a better signal strength than 802.11b, and allows you to transfer files faster between computers(obviously). Plus even though it says it will transfer 11mbps it usually runs less than that.

the breakdown(kinda) cable with a bandwidth of approx. 4 megabits downstream, you get a throughput of 500k downstream. on a good night, when less users are on cable, you might even get a 5megabit bandwidth allowing for 625k down.

with wireless b you get a throughput of 1.4meg per second, if wireless is running at full clip and no interference(rare) it will usually run average around 5/6 megabit bandwidth, close to what cable runs for bandwidth. and if you are on the edge of the b wireless signal you get even less 1 to 2 megabit per second = 125k , not so good

wireless g however will still run at higher speeds when the signal gets lower. plus is capable, with good signal strength to run superG which is 108megabit bandwitch allowing for 13.5meg per second transfers, if ruinning at full clip.

I hope i didnt confuse you. If you dont understand that all then just trust me and go with G wireless.

"Id go with 802.11g. It has a better signal strength than 802.11b, and allows you to transfer files faster between computers" Not trying to argue here, just looking for clarification. If g has a better signal, why is b rated for greater distances? Thanks

When all else fails beat the $%!* out of it!!!

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/reviews/CD/article.php/1585191

'B' is not rated for greater distances per se...
Due to the fact that it can have an output of 100mw without any loss, the signal drops less rapidly than 'G', which has a transmit power of 30mw.
Although 'G' drops quicker relative to its maximum speed of 54mbs than B does relative to its 11mbs, it always has a larger throughput. I can't remember the exact figures, but B goes down to 1mbs at 100ft while G is on 6mbs. (Outdoors, no obstacles)

Keep in mind these are gross throughput figures, without taking into account the security (WEP or WPA) or other overheads.
The best you can expect out of B is about 4.5, the best out of G is 25mbs.
SuperG is very useful if your equipment has it (108mbs)
I would also suggest the G, because WEP is flawed and easily broken, WPA is a much more secure standard.

Sorry about the length of this post.
Long story short, go G.