Avoiding decreased throughput in mixed b/g environment

[syabiku]

I'm thinking of upgrading from 802.11b to 802.11g wireless, but because some of my devices are b only, I'll have a mixed environment. Now, from what I read, running a g access point in b/g compatibility mode will reduce throughput for g clients.

However, what if I keep my old b access point running on channel 11, then start up the new access point on channels 1 or 6 running in g only mode. In this configuration, would both channels be operating without interference of the other and thus there'd be no hit to my g client's performance?

And as a sidenote, I often see 802.11g combined routers/ap cheaper than the 802.11g ap alone. If I don't want to use the routing feature, are there any disadvantages to buying the router/ap, turning off DHCP, connecting one of its LAN ports as an uplink with a crossover cable, and then just using the thing as an access point?

thanks.

[JackMDS]

Welcome to the Network Forum.

I doubt that your “Trick” to avoid the decrease in 802.11g due the presence of 802.11b will work, but you can give it a try it takes only few seconds to make these changes.

As for Router and AP.

If you are sure that you are going to use the AP only as Gateway you can use a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point.

Configuration instructions here: Link to: Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point] (http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html)

About the differences between Wireless Cable/DSL Router and Access Point here: Link to: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point – What should I get? (http://www.ezlan.net/APvsRoute.html)


:cool: