wireless internet hardware bottleneck for old imac??

[AKfreeRider]

Sorry, I didn't really know where to post this, but I would appreciate anyone who can provide an answer to the question. So here is the situation:

I have one of the old 2ghz 20" intel core duo imacs. I connect wirelessly to the internet and I can only get roughly 18mbits on a speedtest while my roomates can get the full 40mbits on their newer mac machines. I can get the full 40 when directly connected to the router. My question is, am I limited on my wireless bandwidth due to older hardware? I am running system 10.6.8 (same as one roomate) so I don't think it is software related. I also have a 6 year old macbook pro with the same issue. I just moved to Seattle from Alaska, so in no way am i complaining about the 18mbit speed. This is more to satisfy my curiosity. If anyone knows anything on the subject, I'd appreciate being enlightened.

Thanks

-AKfreeRider

 

[darster]

You're likely limited by the fact your old mac is only b/g wifi capable, while your friends are likely b/g/n capable. n will give you the higher speeds. When you hook up directly to router via ehternet, you bypass the wifi limitations on your old mac. That's my guess.

 

[AKfreeRider]

Thanks very much for the reply.