Upgrade from 802.11g to n, or wait for Airport Extreme ac?

[1251division]

I'm currently using an 802.11g wireless router, and am wondering if I should purchase the current Airport Extreme (n), or wait until the ac version is released. My current router is getting the job done, but basically wondering if the jump from (g) to (n) is noticeable enough to warrant the purchase now, or just ride out my current setup until upgrading is more advantageous.

Any chance the new iMacs have unlisted support for ac?

[Mr. Retrofire]

Originally Posted by 1251division

I'm currently using an 802.11g wireless router, and am wondering if I should purchase the current Airport Extreme (n), or wait until the ac version is released. My current router is getting the job done, but basically wondering if the jump from (g) to (n) is noticeable enough to warrant the purchase now, or just ride out my current setup until upgrading is more advantageous.

802.11n connections (2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz) are more reliable and faster. 802.11g is slower and less reliable (many “lost” packets). Just my experience. Current Macs support up to 450 MBit/s over 802.11n connections.

[justperry]

Originally Posted by 1251division

I'm currently using an 802.11g wireless router, and am wondering if I should purchase the current Airport Extreme (n), or wait until the ac version is released. My current router is getting the job done, but basically wondering if the jump from (g) to (n) is noticeable enough to warrant the purchase now, or just ride out my current setup until upgrading is more advantageous.

Any chance the new iMacs have unlisted support for ac?

The ac will probably still be a while before Apple will release them, Apple probably will release new Macs first before the Airport Extreme/Express will be released, and most of the Macs won't be getting an update soon.

[1251division]

Thanks for your replies. It sounds like its worth it and safe (read far enough away) enough to stick with 802.11n for now.

I anticipate the ac and ad standards will be more "necessary" as streaming video content replaces blu-rays in the future.

[Mr. Retrofire]

Originally Posted by 1251division

Thanks for your replies. It sounds like its worth it and safe (read far enough away) enough to stick with 802.11n for now. I anticipate the ac and ad standards will be more "necessary" as streaming video content replaces blu-rays in the future.

Even a BluRay-movie uses only ≈ 50 MBit/s of the 150 MBit/s - 450 MBit/s 802.11n data rate. Other movies need much less, i.e. 4-5 MBit/s. ac is only useful for backup/sync applications.