Wireless Bandwidth

Why doesn’t my wireless notebook exceed more than 10Mbps (megabits per second)? How can I speed this up?

If you’re not breaking 11Mbps, either your notebook or wireless access point is probably using the 802.11b standard. To achieve higher wireless bandwidth, both your notebook and the wireless accessvpoint must be upgraded to the 802.11g standard (up to 54Mbps) or the emerging 802.11n standard (up to 540Mbps). You’re limited to the slowest part of your network link. For example, if you use an 802.11n wireless router but use a notebook with an 802.11b wireless NIC (network interface card), you’ll be stuck at the slower 802.11b rate.

If both ends of your wireless link support higher data rates, there are some other factors to consider. Long distances, obstructions, and nearby wireless telephones on the same frequencies can impair your bandwidth. You can try turning off wireless telephones and move closer to the access point to improve the line of sight between your notebook and the access point.