G vs N routers

My current ISP provides a Hyper-G router/modem combination with their service, which I am currently using. In the next month or so I will be switching ISPs, and the new provider will require the use of a router. I am running desktop and 2 laptops, and I am wondering if I should get a wireless G or wireless N (300 mbs) router. I'm only getting 6 mbs for my internet connection, so will an N router even make a difference? I was always under the impression that it wouldn't, as a G router can handle up to 125 mbs anyway, but I've spoke to a few people that have told me it will be faster. Any thoughts?

 

Do your laptops have a wireless N card? If you have G cards now it won't make it faster unless you upgrade those as well. If you have one N and one G and run them at the same time, most routers have to run connections at G speed. Most routers can't run two speeds at the same time. If your laptops have N cards then take advantage of them and upgrade!

 

The one laptop is using an Atheros AR9285, which I believe is a dual band card. The other laptop though is older, I haven't checked, but I'm positive it would be a G card at best. I could put an N card into the second laptop, not a big deal, but is the N router going to increase my internet speeds?

 

No. Your ISP gives you a 6Mbps connection and accessing that through either a G(150Mbps) or N(300Mbps) won't change that. However, if you were watching video on the laptop that was being shared from another computer on your home network, it would help.

 

That's what I figured. Just needed confirmation. What about range.... the N woud probably help out in that department though right?

 

Most routers purchased within the last 2-3 years g or n can run both with out much effect or trouble.

 

Will the dual band card get better range from the N router? Most likely. If that is a concern, by all means, try out a nice N router. Over time, N will become the new standard just the way that g took over from a/b slowly but surely. It's a perfectly reasonable upgrade to make already even if you only half use it right now. If you have two good options and one has draft-N, try that.

In fact, if you have to buy a new router anyway, why not? My router is starting to act up, I'll be out picking an N router myself today. I have too many devices and all but one are G, but i'm switching anyway.

(I just looked up the specs on this laptop's card. Looks like i'll be getting a new wireless card too. This one gives me grief and I just found specs that says it only supports WEP and has issues with N routers. That just shot my wanna-be-geek score right back down to zero. Glad this laptop belongs to my office, I would be embarrassed if it was my personal one.)