802.11n configuration
 

Hi all, I just got a fancy new dual band 802.11n router (and unfortunately my HP dm1z is 2.4 GHz only...) and I'm wondering if people can help talk me through configuring the 2.4 GHz part.

As I understand it, I will only get half speed connections if I use 20 MHz wide channels. But, using 40 MHz channels is bad manners because it will probably interfere with neighboring 802.11g networks. Since I'm in the middle of Manhattan, there are no free channel spaces (my network is "hello world"):

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-74z9...74z9v6C-X3.png

I am currently apparently the only network set to use 40 MHz, and I've had to manually set it to channel 9 since when I leave it on 1, 11, or Auto (where it picks 6), my laptop only connects at 72 Mbps instead of 150. I chose 9 because site surveys didn't show anything on 9...and I know that there is bleed through of channels into neighboring channels, but that can't be helped.

I'm not really sure what I'm asking here...what do people recommend as configuration choices for 2.4 GHz 802.11n networks?

My Manhattan travel router SSID is "FBI-WIFI TRACKER001" I don't ever get pinged.

Well, there are no free channels here in NE Queens either so I just pick the least crowded channel with the least amount of possible cross-talk or interference on the busy airwaves.

Speed really should not matter unless you have a ultra fast Fios connection, your typical 3 MB or 10 MB broadband signal aren't going any faster whether it's on a 27 or 54 MB G signal, let alone 150 MB speed.

I use a N router (channel width at 20Mhz) as it's forward/backward compatible as most of our wireless devices (typically 8 to 10 of them are active) do just fine in G mode as they are all within solid range, and it's relatively secured WPA2-TKIP and locked down with a few other tricks, and interference isn't a problem among our neighbors.

Pumping up the specs. & squeezing it to work harder is just going to overwork the router with a shorter service lifespan. Looking at your inSSIDer graph (I'm guessing) - you might want to try Channel 3 or Channel 9 since there's nobody using them closeby - and with a 20Mhz band, you should do well. Otherwise, you are just inviting others to attempt to hack & share your signal from half-a-block away or 10 stories above/below you in a high-rise since nearly everyone can see your SSID. ;)

I don't think a 40 MHz channel width is "pumping up the specs". It's just using 802.11n as it was designed. The router cost $50. If it lasts a year I'll be very pleased.

The funny thing is, I am on channel 9 - dunno why inSSIDer shows it as channel 7.

I think you're confusing channel width with signal strength. I haven't changed the transmission power - it's still on the default 42 mW. People will not be able to see the network from half a block away, or 10 stories up. Furthermore, if anyone thinks they can hack WPA2/AES, more power to them.