802.11n-capable?

[Redlemon]

I'm thinking of upgrading my home network to something n-capable. I want to make sure we have enough n-capable items in the house to connect to the network before I do that. My wife's work laptop is probably the deciding factor.

So: It is a Windows-based laptop, pretty locked-down by the work IT people. Where do I look to find out if it is n-capable or not?

[Cynthetiq]

If it's a dell laptop check out the service tag number at the dell site. It will tell you the exact build and specs of the unit.

if it's something other than a dell, you can do the same kind of thing with the entire model number and spec.

---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 PM ----------

adding: if you aren't moving huge files >1Gb, you won't notice too much of a difference in speed.

For your Tivo, you'll need to get one of the new n wifi guys, to replace the b or g one you currently have.

[Redlemon]

It is Dell, that sounds great.

It's not about the added speed; it's more about the added range and penetration. Our current reception is spotty in the kitchen, and from what I've read, it seems that an n-only network (or dual broadcast) will reach further and through more stuff.

I almost never transfer to or from the TiVo, so that's not a big concern for me. If I can find one on sale, perhaps.

[Leto]

i got a dlink n router about a year and a half ago at Best Buy for $54. No issues with it at all. I use my laptop in my backyard regularly, and the router is located in the basement office.

Should be easy to find these on sale eg:

Netgear Wireless N Router (WNR1000-200PAS) - Best Buy Canada

Or:

D-Link RangeBooster Wireless N Router (DIR-628) - Best Buy Canada

[Cynthetiq]

if you're just worried about penetration, I got one of these guys and it gives exactly what I needed. I went from marginal strength to good on the Tivo in the bedroom. Everything else benefited to higher signal strength. You do have to have one of the removable antennae routers. I upgraded to an n and it didn't do much for me because of the lack of n products, but the gigabit made the difference.

Hawking Technologies - Hi-Gain 15dBi Corner Antenna

[Martian]

You will see boosts in range and throughput on a greenfield n network.

Is the laptop running windows? If so, I'd check the device manager. Alternatively, ipconfig /all in a command console will spit out the interface name (along with a whole big pile of other information that you may or may not be able to read and is almost certainly of no use to you), which may give you a clue. Failing that, searching the model number should do it too.