Actual capability of Atheros AR9285 WNA?

[Lizzie]

Hello all:

I'm ready to jump into the world of wireless for the first time. In doing my homework on setup and routers, I read that the Atheros AR9285 which came installed in my shiny new Lenovo isn't actually wireless 8011.2n. Is this true? If so, then what the heck is it?

I could really use some guidance on what wireless router specifications will serve my needs.

My apartment is small (700sq ft), in a 40-unit building in a city neighborhood of similar buildings. In my unit, the maximum distance a wireless signal will need to travel is about 20 ft, but through one 100-yr-old wall. I've got a desktop which needs to stay wired, and my Lenovo G470 (Win7 64-bit) will be the only wireless device using this WLAN (especially if I manage to get the security settings right--but that's a post for another day). The laptop will be used for web surfing, e-mail, browser-based games, and Hulu or Netflix. I rent a cable modem (Scientific Atlanta 2100) from my cable provider, with 10mbps service.

Based on what I think is compatible with the Atheros, I used the Router Product Finder and came up with the following:

Linksys E1000, W1200, E1500
Linksys WRT120N
Netgear WNR2000, WNDR3200
D-Link DIR-628

Will any of these fit the bill or am I completely off the mark in thinking I can successfully go wireless?

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated by this technologically-challenged chick--thanks.

 

[stevech]

It is 802.11n and quite comparable to other products. It does not have the 40MHz mode for a potential of over 150Mbps. But truly, the 40MHz (300Mbps) mode is not very practical to achieve in the real world of interference, etc., versus the 20MHz (150Mbps) mode.

These speeds (150Mbps) are megabits per second on the WiFi packet bursts; the real yield at the network protocol layer (TCP/IP) is about 60%, for any WiFi system. There's a lot of marketing hype and BS.

Any $50 or so 11n router should do fine.
IMO, repeat IMO: avoid D-Link; Avoid most Netgear; some models are OK, some not.
Most but not all Linksys is preferred.
Belkin and Buffalo are usually OK.
Avoid the bottom shelf (too cheap) stuff.

There's a router rating web page here.

 

[thiggins]

The Atheros AR9285 supports single stream 802.11 b/g/n. It will connect at a link rate of 65 Mbps maximum when linked with a router in 20 MHz mode and 150 Mbps when a router is set to Auto 20/40 or 40 MHz mode. Read through SmallNetBuilder's Wireless FAQ: The Essentials if you'd like an explanation of this.

Any of the routers you listed will work with the Atheros adapters, as will any other wireless router.

Your biggest problem will be interference from nearby networks. You'll just need to try setting your router to Channel 1, 6 or 11 to see which one works best.

 

[Lizzie]

Thanks to Stevech and Tim for providing quick, helpful responses.

Prior to finding this website, my understanding of wireless tech was limited to knowing that wireless meant 'no wires'. Having read the articles and reviews here, I'm feeling much more confident about joining the 21st century technology-wise. You've sorted out fact from fiction in a way that novices can understand, and your efforts are greatly appreciated.

As to routers, I'll be picking up the Linksys E1200 today and will hopefully be wireless tomorrow. If I run into difficulties, you'll find a new post titled something along the lines of, "I'm an idiot, help me set up my E1200", or "I've changed my mind, the 21st century is overrated".

 

[thiggins]

Thanks for the kind words about SNB, Lizzie. Let us know how the set up goes.

 

[Lizzie]

Update

I went with the Netgear WNR2000 instead of the Linksys. It was $20 less, and the vertical orientation provides more options for placement.

I'm loathe to say that all is going well in case I jinx it, but ..... all is going well. No snags during setup, and the signal is strong everywhere I need it.

To say I'm thrilled would be an understatement--thanks again for your help!

 

[thiggins]

Thanks for letting us know how it worked out. Enjoy!

 

[Anthony Thomas]

The Atheros AR9285 supports single stream 802.11 b/g/n. It will connect at a link rate of 65 Mbps maximum when linked with a router in 20 MHz mode and 150 Mbps when a router is set to Auto 20/40 or 40 MHz mode. Read through SmallNetBuilder's Wireless FAQ: The Essentials if you'd like an explanation of this.

Any of the routers you listed will work with the Atheros adapters, as will any other wireless router.

Your biggest problem will be interference from nearby networks. You'll just need to try setting your router to Channel 1, 6 or 11 to see which one works best.

Thanks for the information about the WiFi mini card in my HP laptop.

With the a N router set to Auto (WiFi Certified) it will see top speed (300Mbps).

Getting a cheap Linksys E1200 might be an option, especially since I have a $10 off $40 coupon and may be able to use 4Square check-in for another 10-20% discount.

I have one slightly off-topic question though.

Would I really see a performance difference with a Windows Home Server connected to 10/100 Fast Ethernet (E1200) or a router with Gigabit ports as the server will have a Gigabit NIC?

I'm just trying to prevent any bottlenecks...