802.11b or 802.11g for iPAQ 5450?

[ttling]

I've been wanting a wireless network at my home for ages (especially when I have the iPAQ 5450). But I'm still deciding if I should get the 802.11b or 802.11g technology? (I know that the iPAQ 5450 only supports 802.11b technology, but would it be worth while to get the 802.11g technology for future use?) Also, which brand should I go for (Linksys, Microsoft etc)?

Ps. If I take the 802.11b technology, is the "Microsoft MS-500 Broadband Network Wireless Base Station Router" a good choice? It's selling for CAD129.99 (after rebates) at Futureshop.com (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...WLBS=fs%2Dweb2)

[clrankin]

I've heard some bad things about the range on the Microsoft 802.11 router that you mentioned... I think it may have been in one of the forums at fatwallet.com, although I'm not 100% sure. I've been using a Linksys 802.11b wireless AP in my townhouse for over a year now and have been very satisfied with it.

Given the choice of purchasing an 802.11b or 802.11g access point right now, I'm not 100% sure what I'd do. I would be very tempted to get the 802.11g access point just because I'd know that I would be set for a while and likely not have to upgrade that technology. However, there are a couple of things to consider when going with this choice:

1. From what I've heard, 802.11g is still in a state of "flux"-- I don't know if there's a set standard out there for it that would make all 802.11g devices interoperable (like there is for 802.11b). This is obviously a very important consideration and bears some looking in to.

2. From what I've heard, some 802.11g access points have problems with backwards compatibility to 802.11b. This may be worth checking in to as well. I can't really remember where I heard this, so the accuracy of this point may be very suspect. If some other folks out there can provide some info to refute or support this point, I would really be interested in knowing myself.

3. From what I can recall, there would be a limited benefit to having 802.11b devices on an 802.11g network. I think one of the sales guys at Best Buy was saying that if 802.11b devices are present on an 802.11g network, the whole 802.11g network is slowed down to 802.11b speeds. This definitely bears some looking in to.

If the stuff that I've listed above is true, then I'd say that your best choice is probably an 802.11b router. However, if it isn't true, I'd go ahead and get an 802.11g device if your budget can support the extra dollars.

I hope I was somewhat helpful here...

[denethor]

[i]
1. From what I've heard, 802.11g is still in a state of "flux"-- I don't know if there's a set standard out there for it that would make all 802.11g devices interoperable (like there is for 802.11b). This is obviously a very important consideration and bears some looking in to.
[/B]

i am using D-Link Di-624 wireless g router with following adaptors:
DWL G620 802.11G
DWL G520 802.11G
HP iPAQ 5450 802.11b (1.10, 1.0.45 ROM With or without wlan patch)
Compaq TC1000 Tablet w/ internal 802.11b

all these working fine without a problem. Just update 624s firmware to v1.12. No tweaks, no any specials settings required.

[DustyLBottoms]

Originally posted by t0
I've been wanting a wireless network at my home for ages (especially when I have the iPAQ 5450). But I'm still deciding if I should get the 802.11b or 802.11g technology? (I know that the iPAQ 5450 only supports 802.11b technology, but would it be worth while to get the 802.11g technology for future use?) Also, which brand should I go for (Linksys, Microsoft etc)?

Ps. If I take the 802.11b technology, is the "Microsoft MS-500 Broadband Network Wireless Base Station Router" a good choice? It's selling for CAD129.99 (after rebates) at Futureshop.com (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...WLBS=fs%2Dweb2)

Keep in Mind that while the iPaq isn't 802.11g compatible, 802.11g IS compatible 802.11b, so you can use a "G" router around the home (I would definitly do this) and still use your iPaq as is.

[bjamison01]

I am using D-Link Di-624 wireless g router with following adaptors:
DWL G620 802.11G
DWL G520 802.11G
HP iPAQ 5450 802.11b (1.10, 1.0.45 ROM With or without wlan patch)
Compaq TC1000 Tablet w/ internal 802.11b

all these working fine without a problem. Just update 624s firmware to v1.12. No tweaks, no any specials settings required.

I have actually had no luck whatsoever connecting the Dlink DI-624 Wireless G router with the Ipaq 5455. Although I attempted to mirror denethor's settings I could not connect to this router at all. While I understand that there is a work around for inidividuals who bought the linksys wireless G router, I was unable to find one for the DI-624. I wound up selling the DI-624 and bought a Linksys 802.11a/b unit. Good luck.

[caimbeul]

I read on the IEEE standards website that the 802.11g wireless should become standardized in mid to late summer, probably sometime in August. You may want to wait on a purchase until after that date.

[dindryte]

just another experience...

i am running a linksys-g router and have been very happy with it.
i even have greater range than with my old .11b linksys router.

just my 2 cents

[David Hettel]

Originally posted by DustyLBottoms
Keep in Mind that while the iPaq isn't 802.11g compatible, 802.11g IS compatible 802.11b, so you can use a "G" router around the home (I would definitly do this) and still use your iPaq as is.

Not true! NOT ALL 802.11g routers in either G mode or in mix mode where they should work, will work with a 545X. This is also true for other cards than just that in the 545X. Perhaps a future firmware fix will get this working, perhaps not. Check the boards this problem has been known for many months now. So far the best fix seems to be to lock the G Access Point into B only mode.

David