Where does Wireless N fit in the Wi-Fi picture?

Wireless N is a name forwireless computer networkhardware that supports802.11nWi-Fi.

Common types of Wireless N equipment includenetwork routers,wireless access points, and game adapters.

Belkin N1 Wireless Router

Belkin.com

Why Is it Called Wireless N?

The alternative terms Draft N and Wireless N were invented to distinguish these early products.

How Fast is Wireless N?

When Wireless N first debuted, it was an improvement over the previous Wireless G and Wireless B standards.

It was practically a mandatory upgrade, especially with increasing broadband speeds.

Wireless N can achieve a theoretical bandwidth of 300 Mbps.

Later Wireless N devices used multiple antennas to achieve higher rates.

However, none compare to the speeds of later Wi-Fi generations.

What Can Wireless N Do?

Even though Wireless N falls behind its successors, it’s not entirely incapable.

Wireless N is capable of handling most common uses, including streaming video.

Wireless N, at 300 Mbps, is enough to handle standard definition and some high-definition video streaming.

you’re free to watch Netflix, YouTube, or listen to music on Spotify just fine.

Streaming to one or two devices works well.

Add more, and you’ll see buffering and lag.

Gaming over Wireless N probably isn’t a great move, either.

Is it Worth Using Wireless N?

In short, no.

The only reason to choose Wireless N is its cost.

The standard is fairly old, making any Wireless N devices relatively inexpensive.

However, so is Wireless AC (Wi-Fi 5).

Wireless AC devices are available nearly everywhere for a reasonable price.

The substantial upgrade over Wireless N makes that choice clear.

If you have a Wireless N equipment, it might be worth considering an upgrade.

You may have noticed your connection slowing down over time.