Is There a BIG Difference Between New & Old AirPort Express?

[HappyDude20]

I currently own the old, original version of Apple's AirPort Express.

In about a month I'll be moving to both China and Japan for six months and was wondering if the new AE that supports the wifi N network truly is much faster.

As I said, I currently have the original AE. I was thinking about purchasing the new AE so I could then leave the one I currently have here at home in the states and take the new version with me to Asia. The people here at home in the states hardly need super fast Internet.

Nevertheless, thought I'd ask...

Currently I'm finding the old, original version of AE on eBay for about $45, while the new version at about $70.

...simply wondering if the new version is worth it.

 

[GGJstudios]

From 802.11N vs G

802.11n Vs g: Frequency & Speed
First let us have a look at the 802.11g standard. The 802.11g standard, also known as, IEEE 802.11g – 2003 is one of the most widely implemented network standards today. All devices based on this standard operate using the 2.4 GHz band of radio frequencies (with a bandwidth of 20 MHz). This frequency is same as the one used by the earlier 802.11b standard. The maximum raw data transfer rate at which devices under this standard operate is 54 Mb/ sec. However, the net throughput is around 19 Mb/sec only.

All 802.11g based devices are backward compatible with the earlier 802.11b hardware. It uses a different modulation scheme at different data transfer rates. For high data transfer rates, it uses the OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) scheme. A major drawback of this standard is that it suffers from interference problems from devices like microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless phones and bluetooth devices.

The 802.11n standard was designed to be an improvement over 802.11g. Devices based on this standards operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range (with a bandwidth of 40 MHz). This standard offers a maximum raw data transfer rate ranging from 54 Mb/sec to 600 Mbit/sec. Actually achieved speeds range from 130 to 160 Mb/sec.

The doubling of bandwidth from 20 MHz to 40 MHz greatly increases the speed of data transfer. It has a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) architecture which is a smart antenna technology that significantly improves data transfer speeds. It allows 4 MIMO streams. Devices based on 802.11n standard are backward compatible with earlier standards. However, to operate over the 5GHz frequency band, all communication devices must be based on 802.11n standard.

802.11n Vs g: Range
In terms of range, 802.11g based devices can have a maximum indoor range of 38 meters or 125 feet. Outdoor achievable range under this standard is 140 meters or 460 feet.

One point in this wireless n vs g comparison, where 802.11n stands out, is the coverage range it offers. It offers a maximum range of 70 meters or 230 feet indoors. The outdoor range can extend to as much as 250 meters or 820 feet. The range is slightly lesser when operating on the 5 GHz range but there is an advantage of having lesser interference from surrounding devices.

Opting for 802.11n would be certainly beneficial as it offers higher data transfer speeds, greater coverage range and will also be compatible with future upgrades. Hope this 802.11n vs g comparison has cleared all your doubts regarding both standards.

 

[HappyDude20]

Devices based on 802.11n standard are backward compatible with earlier standards. However, to operate over the 5GHz frequency band, all communication devices must be based on 802.11n standard.

does this mean that all connected devices must be N capable?

In japan it'll be my MacBook Pro which is compatible, but also my friends old windows laptop which I'm sure isn't.

 

[MisterMe]

does this mean that all connected devices must be N capable?

...

No. Like most Wireless-N routers, the Airport Express is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and draft 802.11n.

 

[jenzjen]

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[GGJstudios]

does this mean that all connected devices must be N capable?

I believe the network speed will be reduced to the slowest device on the network.

No. Like most Wireless-N routers, the Airport Express is compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and draft 802.11n.

I know AirPort Extreme is dual band, but AirPort Express isn't.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html

Frequency bands: 2.4GHz or 5GHz

http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/specs.html

Frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz simultaneously

 

[HappyDude20]

I believe the network speed will be reduced to the slowest device on the network.

I know AirPort Extreme is dual band, but AirPort Express isn't.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html

http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/specs.html

Oh man, that sucks. I know for the most part the only three devices that will ever be connected will be my MBP, my (soon-to-be) iPod Touch and of course my buddy's windows laptop. It a few years old, but is running vista, so I gotta confirm if it can do N.

 

[waw74]

the fastest speeds with N are using 5GHz, iphone 4s and ipod touches use 2.4GHz N, so if you want your ipod to connect, you'll have to use "N (b/g compatible)" which is slower, but still faster than G.

that being said, if you're only doing internet, G (at least with a decent signal) is faster than most home internet connections in the states, so the only place you'll see a speed increase is on local network file transfers.